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Supply chains relying on greener transport

Haulage companies are likely to feel the effects of formal schemes now in place around the world to achieve sustainable distribution performance.

International food and grocery expert IGD has found during research that 80 per cent of supply chain professionals work for a business with a formal scheme in place.

The research will be welcomed by the Food Industry Sustainability Strategy's (FISS) Transportation Champions group, which is promoting logistical improvements to secure significant reductions in the environmental and social costs associated with the transportation of food.

Joanne Denney-Finch, chief executive of IGD, said: "By reacting to consumer concerns, the industry has taken the lead on sustainability in a number of areas. It is at the stage of recognising the key sustainability issues, and developing capability to address them.

"It is important that measures tackling the sustainability challenge are based on objective assessment, not emotion, and deliver tangible, measurable and commercially workable solutions."

Earlier this month, a survey by eyefortransport revealed that 69 per cent of haulage firms believe that green issues will become more important to their logistics processes over the next three years. And this is mirrored by consumer attitudes. A recent study by Mintel found that 41 per cent of UK consumers think that shops should detail the distance a food product has traveled on packaging.

The FISS has advised logistics companies to focus on transport collaboration, vehicle telematics, modern engine designs and logistics system redesign in order to deliver greener services in line with growing demand. Out of hours deliveries and larger delivery vehicles should also form part of a sustainable strategy.

"It is not just about quick wins; we are seeing cultural changes and significant capital investment. For example over 85 per cent of supply chain professionals surveyed say they are redesigning their logistics system, or considering doing so," added Alastair Sykes, IGD president.

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