Sustainability and transport, do they go together? As far as we are concerned, yes. The challenges are great, but the Exintra Group invests heavily in sustainability. This is how we take our responsibility and prepare for the introduction of the zero-emission zones.
Smart use of our fleet
Some would prefer to ban diesel trucks tomorrow. The truth is, however, that this is not yet possible. An electric truck has a limited range and it takes hours to recharge the battery. That is why at HJ Bakker, DM and ENL (all part of the Exintra Group) we use trucks that run on diesel and LNG for longer distances.
Our trucks aren’t always welcome in the city center. They are too big or too heavy or have too many emissions.
We’ve solved that problem by working with partner locations. For example, we have been driving a LNG truck internationally for 2 years to a partner in Amsterdam. There, the cargo is distributed over electric box trucks that then supply the various stores.
Comparison: 1 large truck or 5 small trucks
We’ve investigated the best option: having 5 small trucks drive the entire journey from Roosendaal, or working with partner locations that are supplied by 1 large truck. The latter turns out to be both more environmentally friendly and cheaper. That is why we are fully committed to collaborations with partner locations. This is how we use our fleet smartly and contribute to making the transport sector more sustainable.
Dynamic Routes
What’s also sustainable is the optimal use of the loading space of our vehicles. In the low season we combine as many deliveries as possible in 1 truck. We now have decades of experience in fashion logistics, and we can optimally respond to seasonal influences. The short lines in our organization certainly contribute to this.
A roof full of solar panels
We are also working hard on sustainability at our main location in Roosendaal. For example, we use cups instead of plastic. And employees drink hot, cold and sparkling water from the Quooker instead of bringing their own bottles.
Various modern heatpump systems ensure that our gas consumption is equal to the consumption of 4 normal families. Quite an achievement because international drivers also shower here.
As icing on the cake, we had 180 solar panels installed on our roof last month. Together they supply 63,000 kWh of energy per year. Although we have plans to move, we thought it was important to take this step. For us, sustainability means using less and generating more ourselves.
A look at the future
Although we have already taken great steps, we are not there yet. In the coming period we will optimize our charging strategy based on data of generated and consumed energy. In concrete terms, this could mean, for example, that we no longer charge internal transport equipment such as forklifts at night, but in the afternoon when the sun is shining.
In addition, we closely monitor developments and continue to monitor our consumption. A sustainable transport sector is the joint responsibility of all parties involved. As Exintra Group, we are happy to contribute to this.
