All aboard the ice cream train
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 said: “Traditionally, goods have been transported by road in Italy but 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.”
Improving CO₂ efficiency
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.
So far, Unilever has achieved a 10% improvement in CO₂ efficiency since 2010.