Eco logistics

Eco-logistics: minimising CO₂ emissions

What is eco-logistics?

Logistics, a term that first appeared in mid-18th-century military language, is the art of bringing means and resources to a desired place at the desired time.
By 1980, logistics had crept into the civilian sphere by becoming a key competitive factor and a source of savings.
As globalisation gathers speed, logistics has become crucial: companies’ share of logistical costs is rising at a steady pace and must be optimised.

Aware of its impact on the environment, Groupe SEB has initiated an early eco-logistics approach (or "green" supply chain) to reduce its CO₂ emissions related to transportation.

Taking an overview, involving partners

Since 2005, Groupe SEB is committed to the club DEMETER along with distributors, logistics partners, manufacturers and government agencies such as ADEME.

True place for sharing experiences and reflections, this club aims to promote environmentally friendly logistics and implement operational solutions for managing the environmental impact. Among the themes of work: the development of relevant eco-logistics indicators for measuring progress in this area, the pooling of means of transport and logistics platforms.

Our logistical flows integrate sustainable development

Eco-logistics : reducing our carbon footprint

Concerned to limit the environmental impact of transport generated by the manufacture and sale of its products, Groupe SEB has strengthened its eco-logistics strategy in 2008 which aims at reducing CO₂ emissions. An Eco-Logistics Committee which brings together 25 leaders of logistics flows of the Group has been established to coordinate and monitor the process.
In late 2009, a first transport carbon footprint was calculated and the Group aimed to make it more reliable in 2010 using a more precise calculation method, and with larger scope (Worldwide, including Supor). This new study estimated CO₂ emissions relating to the transport of products, raw materials and components in 2010 at an average total of 265,000 tonnes. Re-calculated emissions for 2009 were estimated at 305,000 tonnes.

Several levers

To reduce its emissions, the Group is taking action at three levels: optimum loading rate of transport units (lorries or sea-going containers), greater use of alternatives transports to road haulage (rail, waterway), and stricter ecological demands on our freight transport providers. Group transportation contracts in place in France gradually extended internationally. They contain a specific clause on sustainable development which requires the provision of quarterly reporting of CO₂ emissions by type of cargo and the establishment of an action plan to reduce these emissions.