Ultralight solution for the ecology

Ecology in transport is not just about optimising operations but about how they are approached. Paying attention to details, which could be overlooked by many if it weren’t for their economic aspect . “Being the trendsetter in our sector in giving the additional value through sustainable solutions.” – the vision of corporate social responsibility in Raben Group perfectly fits the cooperation of Raben Transport and Żywiec Zdrój S.A. Ten new ultralight semi-trailers, which were specially procured by Raben Transport for the needs of domestic business with the producer of water and beverages, thanks to the higher payload (by 1.5 to 2 tons) as compared to standard semi-trailers (with the payload of 24 tons), allow for lower fuel consumption by 3%. In turn, lower fuel consumption and higher payload allow for reducing transport costs by up to 7% throughout the year.

“Cooperation between Żywiec Zdrój and Raben Transport started in 2011. Currently, we execute deliveries from factories to distribution warehouses and direct deliveries to customers, providing up to 100 transport units every day” - says Andrzej Wardzyński, Domestic Transport Director at Raben Transport - “Together we have decided to use 10 light semi-trailers to provide these services. We estimate that this year it will enable us to transport approximately 10,000 more pallets, which will translate into 70,000 fewer kilometres driven as compared to standard semi-trailers.

The ultralight semi-trailers are not the only ecological solution that partners use as part of the cooperation. In 2015, the companies started the first tests of tractors powered by LNG. In 2017 Raben Transport together with Żywiec Zdrój carried out tests of a tractor powered by LNG gas, configured with a lightweight semi-trailer, thanks to which they obtained similar savings of transported goods and even greater savings in the area of ​​CO₂ emissions as compared to traditional tractors configured with a lightweight trailer. Additionally, in 2016, Raben Transport conducted the first tests of lightweight semi-trailers in the construction sector, which resulted in a contract for 4 transport units, while resulting in about 10% more cargo volume and thus significantly reducing CO₂ emissions.

Raben Group  is aware of the impact of transport on the environment. Ecology is of great importance for the company. Each year more and more ambitious goals of reducing the consumption of fuel and CO₂  emissions are set. The Group is investing in modern means of transport and training drivers in defensive driving. Ecological solutions are also widely used in the warehouses and offices. All this is supported by additional initiatives, like planting trees as part of the e-invoice=higher culture campaign.

Żywiec Zdrój is the leader on the Polish market of bottled water and the largest producer of non-alcoholic beverages[1]. The company is also considered to be the most socially responsible among producers in Poland[2] because it is particularly attentive to the natural environment and it encourages people to drink more healthily. The company mission is visible in all areas of its operations, starting from developing products, selecting suppliers, to educational and ecological programs. Caring for the nature is an extremely important aspect of the company operations. Żywiec Zdrój implements it in many ways, through rational acquisition of water, reduction of the "carbon footprint", the use of fully recyclable packaging, segregation of waste in factories and offices, and planting trees for the benefit of water resources. These activities are carried out in cooperation with non-governmental organizations, business partners and local communities.

“Żywiec Zdrój has been on the side of nature for years and that's why, in conversations with our logistic partners, we emphasize the importance of introducing pro-ecological solutions. The use of such solutions is a very important criterion for us when choosing partners for cooperation. I am glad that Raben Transport has met our expectations by dedicating 10 ultralight semi-trailers to us.” – says Mikołaj Rafalski, Head of the Logistics Department at Żywiec Zdrój S.A., - “Light semi-trailers, in addition to reducing CO₂ emissions, can also benefit our customers by reducing the number of unloading slots in warehouses needed to handle deliveries, since in one delivery we can deliver more water.”

[1] 10.4% based on: Żywiec Zdrój in Nielsen - Retail Panel, Whole Poland  (as a sum of the following markets: Hypermarkets, Supermarkets, Discounters, Grocery Stores - Large, Medium, Small, Drug Store Chains, Wine Shops And Confectioner's, Petrol Stations and Kiosks), share by volume, in 2016 in the category of non-alcoholic beverages.

Żywiec Zdrój in Nielsen - Retail Panel, Whole Poland  (as a sum of the following markets: Hypermarkets, Supermarkets, Discounters, Grocery Stores - Large, Medium, Small, Drug Store Chains, Wine Shops And Confectioner's, Petrol Stations and Kiosks), share by value and volume, in 2016 in the category of Bottled Water taking into account flavoured water.

[2] In: MillwardBrown, Research of Manufacturers’ Goodwill in Poland, n=1500, 2015 and 2017