automating for a sustainable future

The legislative push for a more sustainable economy is affecting business decisions globally. In Holland, new build warehouses and distribution centres must be energy self-supporting to receive planning permission. In Mexico, a ban on driving lorries through built-up areas during certain times of day is improving the lives of locals and inspiring new logistics planning. In the UK, large businesses are compelled to outline in detail how they intend to hit climate change targets under proposed Treasury rules.

This increased focus on sustainability is being felt by the materials handling and intralogistics industry. Our research has found that up to 88% of companies confirm they are feeling pressure from environmental sustainability issues, with almost half (46%) believing the pressure to make environmental changes comes from the government / net zero strategy.

These legislative demands come at a time when companies in every sector are facing up to a new reality: the days of cheap, inexhaustible labour are over. From driver shortages to a lack of warehouse operatives, employee shortfalls are devastating performance and damaging reputations. The short-term response is to offer higher pay.

In an era of raging inflation, this approach is not only dangerous it is doomed to fail: worker expectations have changed fundamentally.

Automated loading technology eradicates dangerous, manual tasks. It ensures safe handling of hazardous materials; and removes the need to stand for hours in all weathers. Instead, the business can maximise the time and expertise of staff, improving their well-being, boosting retention and mitigating the challenges in the labour market.

Furthermore, by reducing unloading/ loading times from a typical 45 minutes to less than three minutes, there is a positive impact on other workers in the supply chain. HGV drivers are no longer left waiting for hours, watching the clock and hoping to get to the next destination on time. Confidence in delivery timelines will improve job satisfaction. Logistics operations can maximise driver time, improve productivity and even reduce the number of drivers required.

Every step of this automation process has positive implications for environmental performance. Automated loading and unloading is not just faster, it is more efficient, minimising accidents and product damage. The transformation in productivity can allow companies to radically reduce the number of dock doors and slash the number of trailers, significantly cutting emissions from operations. Reducing the number of battery-powered forklift trucks means less power is consumed – allowing companies to better manage electricity requirements – and concerns regarding the toxicity of lithium-ion technology can be mitigated. HGVs are not left idling in car parks for hours, and improved turnaround time enables route optimisation to further reduce fuel consumption – benefitting both the bottom line and the drive towards net zero.

It's indisputable that sustainability has become an important aspect for businesses. Consumers want to buy from companies that operate in an eco-friendly way.

The real challenge is in the logistics industry where the use of transport to manoeuvre goods from one destination to another is heavily dependent on the use of vehicles. Businesses who can rise to it (or at least make a clear, concerted effort to), however, can enjoy some considerable benefits.

We've looked into The Benefits of Sustainable Logistics for companies that employ sustainable logistics practices as part of their supply chain management.

2022 was a poignant year for Joloda Hydraroll. As we celebrated our 60th birthday, many of us had been reflecting on the successes, achievements and lessons learnt over the last few decades. Our ability to innovate has undoubtedly been a key component in our longstanding success. We push to inspire change and transformation through our innovative loading solutions- staying one step ahead of logistical, legislative and vehicle changes.