Winners: Vacuum Technique’s Industrial Vacuum division
In recognition of: For their outstanding performance in preserving the environment for the future and finding new ways that support the green logistics strategy.
About the project: Leybold, a leading vacuum producer based in Cologne, Germany, sends heavy pumps weighing more than 150 kilograms, plus semi-finished parts like components and rotors, to Tianjin, China, for local production and distribution.
The ‘Lighthouse project’ began in mid-2019, when 20 full container loads was sent by rail nearly 8,000 kilometers from Germany to China. Leybold now sends cargo in three train containers per week to DC Shanghai and PC Tianjin. The strategy to switch to rail is driven by environmental and cost optimization needs, but it is also based on a strong focus on customer requirements. By using alternative and reliable transport modes like rail, the division has been able to maintain supply and customer support also in this challenging time of a global pandemic.
The benefits of train transports are clear. On this particular route, rail freight is 75% less costly than air freight, while the train emits 90% less carbon emissions. Compared to ocean freight, the train is 50% quicker as the distance by rail is 8,000 kilometers compared to more than 23,000 kilometers by ocean.
Additionally, the sea transport strategy for Europe to North America which aims to shift transport from air to sea, has been rolled out. The result is that sea transport has grown from 42% of shipments made in 2017 to 78% in 2020. Leybold now sends cargo in eight containers per month to its distribution center in North America.
