FDBusiness.com

Unilever has launched a dedicated train line in Italy to deliver ice creams from its Caivano factory to its Parma logistics hub in a more sustainable way. The Green Express will transport Algida ice creams from its factory near Naples, 700km to the logistics hub in Parma. This will take 3,500 trucks off the road each year, equating to an annual CO2 saving of 2,600 tonnes.

Other benefits include reducing congestion and potential traffic accidents and an energy saving of 40 million mega-joules per year – the equivalent of the annual needs of 4,200 families.

David Beauchamp, vice president logistics for Europe, says: “Traditionally, goods have been transported by road inItalybut this model is designed to be a game-changer. This initiative is an example of great collaboration with Trenitalia and the Italian Ministry for Environment. We hope that other companies in Italy can also adopt similar rail transportation approaches. This is not just beneficial for the environment but also for costs, we estimate that this will achieve a 6% reduction in costs per year – a win-win situation.”

Green Express is part of a wider eco-efficiency programme within Unilever’s Supply Chain to support its Sustainable Living Plan. By 2020, CO2 emissions from Unilever’s global logistics network will be at or below 2010 levels. This will represent a 40% improvement in CO2 efficiency overall.