PepsiCo - Case study: Fewer transport miles
By switching more of its freight to rail, Quaker will reduce the overall number
of road miles travelled by its fleet transport by over 300,000 miles per year,
saving more than 180 tonnes of CO2 annually.
In addition to reducing road miles, the electric train will help PepsiCo move
closer to achieving its goal of using 100% renewable energy at its manufacturing
and distribution sites within 15 years. The train will also increase
productivity, enabling greater volumes to be transported than by lorry.
Speaking about the initiative, Walter Todd, VP Operations, PepsiCo UK, said:
"We are always looking for innovative ways to become more efficient and this
initiative not only improves productivity and reduces costs, it also serves our
commitment to cutting carbon emissions and becoming a more environmentally
sustainable business."
PepsiCo is already exploring further possibilities for expanding the use of
electric train throughout its businesses. The initiative is the latest example of
ways in which the business is radically rethinking how it moves its raw materials
and finished goods in order to reduce transport emissions. Other examples
include:
- Quaker and Walkers, also part of PepsiCo, working together to eliminate empty
running routes. After delivering crisps to Fife, Walkers lorries transport Quaker
products instead of making the return journey empty.
- PepsiCo working with its retailers to identify mutual transport routes. By
reviewing the activities of supplier and retailer fleets, PepsiCo has identified
opportunities to eliminate empty running routes for both parties. This has resulted
in the elimination of around 700,000 miles per year.
- Walkers has integrated two thirds of its British potato cargo into its in-house
fleet. Walkers designed a special trailer capable of simultaneously carrying
bulk raw materials and finished product, enabling the fleet to make deliveries to
retailers en route to the farm. This saves just under 300,000 miles per year.
These initiatives form part of PepsiCo's commitment to reduce energy use by 20%
per kilo of production by 2011.
More Information
Last reviewed: 22 Dec 2009