Top companies were once again recognised and rewarded for their efforts in greening their supply chains at the third annual Green Supply Chain Awards, which took place on 26 August 2011 at the offices of the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA) in Randburg. The awards are a joint initiative of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport South Africa (CILTSA), the CGCSA and Supply Chain Today magazine. The awards are traditionally divided into three categories: Industry Leader, Best Project and Best Product.

Industry Leader – Abrie de Swardt, Marketing Director: IMPERIAL Logistics

Abrie de Swardt, marketing director of IMPERIAL Logistics, won the prestigious Industry Leader Award for the company’s leading role in the “green logistics” evolution.

The award was due to his far-reaching work on bringing “green” to the supply chain, both within IMPERIAL Logistics and by spreading the message broadly throughout the supply chain and business communities.

On receipt of the Industry Leader Award, De Swardt said: “We need to develop a sophisticated view of the impact that we have on the environment. We need to change our paradigm, our behaviour and the way in which we look at ‘green’. I have experienced that journey in IMPERIAL Logistics.”

Speaking of the need for greater collaboration, he noted: “Whether we compete in the market, this is a great opportunity to embrace collaboration and, across boundaries, work together.”

IMPERIAL Logistics is on a sustainability-focused growth path that balances people, planet and profit – a factor that contributes to the group being a leading global logistics and supply chain player.

“Within IMPERIAL Logistics, there are many inspiring, collaborative examples of greening operations and customer supply chains,” continued De Swardt. “Best practice formulation and application has been pioneered through introducing South Africa’s first Euro 5 specification vehicles; innovative water management system development, specifically for the needs of transport companies; ‘extra-distance’ analysis and network redesign for cutting carbon emissions and cost simultaneously; as well as an investment in zero-emission vehicle refrigeration that operates in complete silence – no moving parts, no harmful emissions and absolutely no noise.”

Best Product Under R1 Million – Stab-a-Load

Stab-A-Load won the category Best Product Under R1 Million for its solar-powered docking equipment system. Stab-a-Load specialises in the planning, design and manufacturing of integrated dock-loading solutions for cold storage, warehousing and distribution applications throughout southern Africa.

The company is the first in South Africa to offer a solar-powered system for materials handling equipment. The system operates single or multiple Stab-a-Load pneumatic dock levellers, Star 4 truck restraints, LED dock lights and motorised sectional doors, without being connected to a permanent electricity supply.

The system reduces electrical reticulation and running costs and can operate in blackout conditions (power cuts and low ultraviolet light penetration). Its deep-cycle absorbent glass material batteries hold a 50% reserve, enabling the equipment to remain operational for up to five consecutive days in the event of total unavailable UV light.

Best Product Over R1 Million – TrenStar

TrenStar’s specialised returnable packaging solution took the honours in the category Best Product Over R1 Million. This specialised, custom-designed returnable packaging material is a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly method of protecting a transported component while in transit. The returnable interlayer replaces typical end-of-journey disposable internal dunnage. After the component is unpacked, the interlayer collapses to occupy minimal space and fits into its returnable container, ready for return transport. Both products are 100% recyclable at the end of their respective life cycles.

Best Product Highly Commended – City Power

City Power’s recycling project reduced the waste stream to landfill sites by disposing of biodegradable waste that decomposes to hydrogen sulphide and methane gas, saving landfill airspace. City Power distributed colour-coded bins and stainless steel bins, recycling posters, as well as internal recycling boxes.

The project is a phase 1 implementation being rolled out to all 10 City Power depots.

The revenue collected from this project will be used for environmental sustainability, such as the planting of indigenous trees and shrubs, as well as biodiversity.

Best Project Under R1 Million – Hooghiemstra Logistical Services

Hooghiemstra Logistical Services’ “Green Fleet Management Project” resulted in cost savings and a reduced carbon print for its client. Through its fleet management tracking system, the client’s fuel consumption and fleet operating costs stayed within the desired parameters, while ensuring the carbon footprint of the company was reduced.

Best Project R1–R10 Million – Distell

Distell Ltd’s “Give Back Get Back” project resulted in 35.2 million bottles being returned in 2010/2011 in the company’s northern and central regions, compared to 31.4 million in the previous year. The additional 3.8 million returns amounted to a cost of sales saving in excess of R5m.

Nationwide, total reused glass amounted to 125.5 million units, which equates to 68 500 tonnes of glass and a reduction of carbon dioxide and related emissions of 103 440 tonnes.

Distell managed to create job opportunities for 413 bottle merchants in the northern and central region.

The aim of the project was to increase the return ratio (return versus sales) from 39% to 50%, thereby decreasing input costs and maximising profitability, and at the same time reducing CO2 emissions and raw materials required to produce additional glass.

Best Project Over R10 Million – Adcock Ingram

With a simple but aggressive approach to energy savings, Adcock Ingram was able to halve the expected power requirement at its new National Distribution Centre in Midrand.

Its consulting engineers advised that the new facility would require up to 1 800 kilovolt-amperes to operate. The existing supply was only 1 000KVA, and the local authorities would require up to seven years to upgrade the electrical supply.

Assisted by Industrial Logistic Systems, Adcock Ingram re-engineered the building, lighting, air conditioning, incoming power supply infrastructure, operational processes and management systems. As a result, Adcock Ingram was able to reduce overall demand to below 900KVA – half the expected power requirement.

Certificate of Merit – MTN

Cellphone provider, MTN, received a special certificate for its Business Transport and Logistics Application. The aim of the project was to increase the efficiency and productivity of logistics businesses while reducing costs and waste, through the availability of live, always-on, electronic field data. For the first time, African businesses could get mobility solutions bundled with cellular data contracts – providing software, hardware, data, support and services.

Sponsors

Leading extra-heavy vehicle manufacturer, Scania, was the lead sponsor of the 2011 Awards. Co-sponsors were Barloworld Logistics, Improvon as well as trophy sponsor, TrenStar.