Transport Resources
Methods have been developed to ensure that vehicles, containers etc are used in the most efficient way. Examples of initatives include the development of OPal, a software tool to assess and recommend pallet layouts. This led to a significant reduction in numbers of pallets, and therefore vehicles and journeys. Paper board “slip sheets” and innovative pallet designs have also improved load utilisation, as has the development of dual temperature vehicles enabling consolidation of deliveries of products such as ice cream and confectionery.

Optimising Networks
Working with contractors and co-operating with other producers allows the free vehicle capacity of one company to be matched with the available loads of another. Combining road and rail transport also helps to optimise distribution and reduce vehicle journeys. Computerised milk-collection systems have reduced driving
distances by as much as 10%.

Pilot with Schenker
Nestlé initiated a pilot with Schenker, one of the leading international integrated logistics companies, to determine the environmental impact per unit of product delivered in one of their European land transport networks. The results of this study showed that transport generated on average some 15 kg of CO2 emissions per tonne of product delivered. This represents about 10% of CO2 generated during the manufacturing process and is equivalent to emissions released by a standard passenger car travelling for 100 kilometres.

Improving transportation and distribution of products from factories and distribution centers to customers and consumers leads to environmental benefits and cost reductions. It results in less noise, less fuel consumption, less congestion, fewer emissions and less waste. Therefore, specific Nestlé guidelines highlight opportunities and best practices related to managing transport resources.

Read our Distribution efficiency case study.