Unilever takes to rail logistics for supply chain carbon gains
The Anglo-Dutch multinational company Unilever has launched Green Express, a sustainable logistics initiative that aims to slash carbon emissions across its supply chain. The project will see Unilever products transported by rail rather than road and has begun with a dedicated railway line in Italy. The direct connection between a Unilever factory in Caivano near Naples to the logistics hub 700 kilometres away in Parma, will result in an estimated 3,500 trucks being taken off the road each year with an annual energy saving of 40 million mega-joules. Unilever estimate that this will also achieve a six percent reduction in costs per year. The Green Express initiative is part of a wider eco-efficiency programme within Unilever’s supply chain to support its sustainable living plan. (Edie News)
Technology
Ford and Tesla push first-half battery car growth rate
US company Ford Motor’s expansion of hybrid and plug-in models and demand for Tesla Motor’s luxury battery cars have led to US first-half sales of electric-drive cars and trucks to increase faster than full-size pickups. Environmental rules in the US, Europe and Japan have pushed car manufacturers to offer more vehicles that don’t emit climate-warming gases and consume less fuel. US sales of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-only autos rose at least 23 percent to more than 287,000 based on data compiled by Bloomberg. (Eco-Business)
Environment
Biofuels plant opens to become UK’s biggest buyer of wheat
The UK biofuels company Vivergo Fuels, which was formed in 2007 as a joint venture between BP, AB Sugar and DuPont, has opened its first biofuels plant in Hull this week. The plant, opened with £350 million investment, will use 1.1 million tonnes of wheat to produce an estimated 420 million litres a year of ethanol, to be mixed with petrol and used in vehicles. Clare Wenner, head of renewable transport at the Renewable Energy Association, said: “This is a fantastic example for the industry, not just for the commitment to producing sustainable fuel and food, but the commitment to developing skills and a manufacturing base in the UK.” (The Guardian)
Consumers
Major retailers agree on new water efficiency labelling
A group of DIY retailers, builders’ merchants, and manufacturers have agreed to introduce a voluntary labelling scheme to help consumers identify the water efficiency of bathroom fittings. Brought together by WRAP, the UK circular economy and resource efficiency organisation, participating companies include Argos, B&Q, Homebase, Travis Perkins, and Southern Water. The scheme will use the existing Water Label, which follows a similar approach to the Energy Efficiency Label found on EU white goods such as fridges and freezers. The new labelling will start to appear across a wide range of products such as taps, showers, WCs and baths in summer 2014. (Edie News)
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