Optimizing Transportation

Today, our CO2 emissions due to transportation represent 27% of our total emissions worldwide (LCA analysis) . The large majority of our business is conducted locally since more than 90% of the bottled waters we produce are consumed in their country of origin.

Our Transport Policy outlines the five strategic directions we follow to strengthen our efforts to reduce our environmental impact from transportation:

Use alternative transport modes wherever possible
Rail, inter-modal and short-sea transport should be considered for distances of more than 500 kilometres.

When transcontinental transport is required for export of our 5 international brands, we always use sea transport which is, for a given distance, the most environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

In 2006, we reduced our emissions by 90% for the Vittel and Contrex factories in France and Antwerp, Belgium! Prior to this, empty containers were transported by truck from Belgium to Vittel and Contrex, where they were filled and transported by train to Antwerp. Now 143 trains filled with pallets travel to Antwerp every year.

In Switzerland, we have combined road and rail transportation for product deliveries, resulting in a 62% decrease in our carbon emissions along this route.

Explore new technologies
In association with truck and original equipment manufacturers, Nestlé Waters is participating in tests of new engines (hybrid, electric, gas), new fuels, driver training sessions, exhaust pipes and tires that reduce fuel consumption. For example, we are currently testing natural gas vehicles for our Home & Office delivery business in Poland.

Produce closer to the consumer
This involves accelerating the development of multi-spring brands to bring production sites closer to areas of consumption, thereby reducing distances travelled and road traffic.

Improve truck utilization
With manufacturers we are examining new ways of loading trucks to maximize loading capacity. This develops a collaborative approach with both our suppliers and our customers in order to optimize the flows and prevent empty truck rotations.

In 2003 in Canada, Nestlé Waters increased the payload (load in truck) from 23 to 27 tonnes as a result of the Canadian government approving the use of three-axle-trucks. The Company went beyond this in 2005 by closely collaborating with customers to add an extra layer of bottles to each pallet. In addition, the Company began using lightweight trucks, which, when combined with the extra layer of bottles, increased the payload to 30 tonnes. Initiatives like these have reduced the Company’s carbon dioxide emissions in Canada by 24%.

Manage carriers actively
A scorecard is being developed to evaluate carriers who work with Nestlé Waters based on economic as well as environmental criteria and to raise driver awareness of safe and cost-effective driving behaviours. For small carriers, Nestlé Waters will provide advice on improving the truck fleet.