How can products be transported to shops with fewer CO2 emissions? And how can the logistics buildings be used to generate energy? AS Watson, the parent company of Kruidvat, Trekpleister and ICI PARIS XL, is looking for good ideas to make its logistics buildings, processes and transport further sustainable. Companies as well as students and researchers can submit their green solutions.
With the Logistics Energy Challenge, AS Watson hopes to gather ideas that will further reduce CO2 emissions. The input can be (partially) implemented in AS Watson's processes and will be shared with the logistics business community in Gelderland. The winning idea will receive a prize worth EUR 2,500.
Making buildings more sustainable
The chain is looking for solutions for three different cases. Case 1 focuses on making its buildings more sustainable. AS Watson has a distribution centre in Heteren, from where Kruidvat and Trekpleister shops are supplied. An e-fulfilment centre in Ede also takes care of the formulas' online orders. AS Watson wonders how the buildings can be used to generate energy. The distribution centre in Heteren already has solar panels. However, not all roofs can withstand conventional solar panels. It is also looking for solutions to realise gas-free premises and to guarantee a maximum temperature in the buildings. Especially in summer, AS Watson finds it difficult not to exceed the maximum temperature of 25 degrees. The retail group is looking for an energy-neutral option to be able to realise this temperature limit.
Optimising processes
Case 2 focuses on the logistics processes within AS Watson. The company cites its Dynamic Picking System in Heteren as one of the biggest energy consumers within its operation. Among other things, it is looking for inputs to reduce the electricity consumption of this machine. The solution could focus on both technology and process optimisation.
CO2-uitstoot transport
AS Watson's transport resources can be better utilised, the company believes. Within the current distribution system, trucks drive to the shop with a high load factor. On the way back, they are less fully loaded as they are then filled with empty pallets, plastic and cardboard. AS Watson wants to improve this backhauling process by also using the trucks that supply the shops to pick up goods from suppliers. However, this should not cause problems for the existing distribution network, and it is also looking to reduce CO2 emissions from diesel and LNG trucks.
Sign up for the Logistics Energy Challenge
Applications for the Logistics Energy Challenge can be submitted until 24 February. Anyone with experience or affinity with sustainability or logistics may sign up. Both individuals - who will then be placed in teams - or teams can apply. Several selection rounds will take place. On 3 April, the jury will announce who will go home with the prize and a potential job.
