Woodland and Ball Lead Charge in Transport Energy Efficiency
At the forefront of eco-conscious logistics, the Woodland Group champions sustainability, focusing on transparency and social impact while actively lowering its carbon footprint. This commitment has recently been underscored by notable achievements.
Among these milestones is the acquisition of the prestigious gold EcoVadis certification, alongside the implementation of solar panels across significant sites, now sourcing more than 60% of its energy from renewable sources.
As well as this, the company is diving deep into supply chain sustainability, experimenting with alternate fuels and EV technology in collaboration with Ball Corporation, a leader in sustainable aluminium packaging.
The transformative power of HVO
Since March 2024, an innovative venture into renewable diesel substitute hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) has seen Woodland Group work with Ball.
The trial resulted in 1,100 trips on Ball's regular routes markedly reducing CO₂ emissions — just 22 tonnes compared to the 229 tonnes that would have been produced using standard fuel.
This massive 90.44% drop in emissions showcases HVO's potential to significantly cut CO₂e, with plans to expand this initiative in pursuit of net zero and carbon neutrality aims.
The venture into electric heavy goods vehicles (EHGVs) also paints a promising future for sustainable logistics. A 30-day test integrating Volvo EHGVs into the fleet saw carbon emissions plummet by 65.66%, compared to traditional diesel engines, despite current UK electrical grid restrictions.
“It’s a real pleasure to be working with Ball Corporation on these trials and exploring the best solutions, not only for our customers and their customers, but also for the environment,” said Luke Fermor, Global Head of Fulfilment at Woodland Group.
“The key is to have a better understanding of emerging technologies and to ensure we invest in the right technology at the right time.”
Navigating towards sustainable transportation
Woodland Group and Ball's partnership doesn't just stop at trials; it's about exploring the vast possibilities within logistics to lessen environmental impact.
The collaboration between the two entities is exploring the barriers and windows of opportunity within the logistics sector for making a tangible difference.
Their findings highlight the existing dominance of diesel in the market due to its range and infrastructure, yet underscore the lower CO₂ emissions per kilometre of EVs and HVO. They also touch upon hydrogen as a potential long-term solution, with ongoing exploratory efforts.
“There’s not one single or one-size-fits-all solution to reduce fossil fuel consumption,” added Mark Haslam, Logistics Director for EMEA at Ball Corporation.
“No single company can tackle the challenge alone; working together is crucial. That’s why we’re so delighted to trial new, innovative carbon-conscious solutions with Woodland.
“Ball’s commitment to sustainability outlined in our Climate Transition Plan is unwavering. We focus on aluminium circularity and decarbonisation and work collaboratively with our entire supply chain to mitigate emissions across all three scopes.
“We are proud of our partnership, forged in 2021, focused on pioneering solutions to reduce supply chain emissions. We've achieved significant results with Woodland Group and look forward to reaching new milestones based on these trials.”
The road ahead: Sustainability in action
The synergy between Woodland Group and Ball Corporation strives for a sustainable logistics industry, with each step taken reflecting a shared dedication to reducing carbon footprints and embracing green technologies.
A significant portion of Woodland's fleet already utilises HVO and its partnership with Ball represents a significant stride towards reaching decarbonisation goals together.
Engagement with organisations that lead with purpose, like Ball, signifies a crucial move towards achieving a more sustainable future for the logistics field and the planet at large.
**************
Make sure you check out the latest edition of Energy Digital Magazine and also sign up to our global conference series - Sustainability LIVE 2024
**************
Energy Digital is a BizClik brand.
