In 2011 IMCD Group was the first and remains the only distributor to be awarded the prestigious Lean & Green Award. One year later IMCD Group is amongst a select group of 16 companies, out of an eligible 250, that successfully reached the set goals in order to be awarded the Lean & Green Star award. The Lean & Green award is given exclusively to companies that commit themselves to significantly reducing their CO₂ emissions, submitting a satisfactory action plan that is subsequently assessed and approved. Additionally, the Lean & Green Star award is given to companies that could demonstrate their fulfilment of the above mentioned targets. After review of IMCD’s carbon footprint for 2010, 2011 and 2012, the Group proved to have reached the objectives.
The Star Award is a part of the innovation programme Sustainable Logistics by Connekt, an independent network of companies and authorities, collaborating to achieve a sustainable improvement in mobility. The Sustainable Logistics programme was initiated by the Dutch Ministry of Transport and it supports logistics companies in their drive to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions while increasing profitability.
Stan Bijsterveld, IMCD Group Supply Chain Director, explains: “IMCD is one of the ‘front runners’ within a network of shipping companies, hauliers, distributors and councils that have committed themselves to reducing their CO₂ emissions by at least 20% in 2012.” IMCD has achieved this target not only by utilising other modes of transport, such as rail and barge but also by analysing the flow of goods, collaborating with suppliers to ensure that sustainability requirements are met and reducing the number of unloaded kilometres in cooperation with hauliers and customers.
“IMCD fosters culture that drives innovation and continuous improvement,” adds Bijsterveld. “The Group recognises that through offering sustainable solutions, a platform can then be established for the creation of new ecologically-friendly alternatives, pioneering ideas and concepts, and fresh industry initiatives. IMCD therefore shares the philosophy that through working only with suited partners that understand these values and competitive benefits, a cleaner environment for the future can be realised.”
Piet van der Slikke, CEO of IMCD Group, comments on the award: “The need for sustainability is becoming ever more apparent, and for this reason IMCD is fully committed to making continual progress. Through promoting and delivering this key message, the Group aims not only to meet its targets but to exceed them. As well as being responsible for our current business partners and end users of products made with our material, we are also responsible to do so in the most sustainable way.”
Although the Sustainable Logistics programme was initiated by the Dutch Ministry of Transport IMCD is currently working together with Connekt in Italy to replicate this joint success and is also planning to expand with them to other countries such as Spain and Sweden.
