Opinion: Implementing sustainable solutions through collaboration

By Luke Fermor, global fulfilment manager at Woodland Group

In today’s rapidly evolving world, sustainability is no longer a mere buzzword; it is a necessity.

As someone deeply involved in the logistics and supply chain industry, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of sustainable practices.

Our partnership with Ball Corporation has been a testament to this journey, showcasing how collaboration and innovation can lead to significant environmental benefits.

Ball Corporation is the largest producer of aluminium drinks cans in the world, Woodland Group has been running a dedicated warehouse for them along with a transport fleet to deliver to some of its key clients.

When we first embarked on our project together, our goal was clear: to reduce the carbon footprint of our supply chain operations. This was no small feat, given the complexities and scale of our logistics network.

However, thanks to a shared vision and commitment, we set out to explore and implement sustainable solutions that would not only benefit our businesses but also the planet.

One of the key initiatives we undertook was the trial of alternative fuel vehicles.

By integrating electric and hybrid trucks into our fleet, we aimed to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.

The results, over a 12-month period, have been promising. Our use of HVO led to a significant CO2e emission saving of 207 tonnes and a 90.44% reduction in these emissions.

This success has encouraged us to expand the use of these vehicles across more routes, further solidifying our commitment to a greener future.

Another significant aspect of our sustainability journey has been optimising our supply chain processes.

Through advanced data analytics and real-time monitoring, we have been able to streamline operations, reduce waste, and improve efficiency.

Woodland Group provides them with weekly figures which demonstrate the carbon savings on all their transport movements using HVO.

The fleet is fully tracked by our team, enabling real-time visibility of delivery and order status updates.

We've streamlined many of our processes by transitioning from paper-based systems to fully electronic ones. This all, not only helps in lowering emissions, but also enhances the overall reliability and responsiveness of our supply chain.

Collaboration has been at the heart of our efforts. Working closely with Ball Corporation, we have shared insights, resources, and best practices.

This partnership has enabled us to push the boundaries and drive progress in sustainable logistics. It is a powerful reminder that when businesses come together with a common purpose, they can achieve remarkable outcomes.

However, our journey is far from over. The relationship with Ball continues to strengthen with business growing year on year and we are now working closely on plans for new sustainable initiatives aimed at transforming their supply chain.

Sustainability is an ongoing commitment, and we are continuously exploring new technologies and strategies to further reduce our environmental impact within supply chain management.

From investing in renewable energy sources to exploring circular economy principles, we are dedicated to making a lasting positive difference.

Overall, our partnership with Ball Corporation has been a pivotal chapter in our sustainability story. It has demonstrated that with determination, innovation, and collaboration, we can pave the way for a more sustainable future.

As we move forward, we remain committed to encouraging others in the industry to join us on this crucial journey.