Driving Sustainability: Green Freight Practices at Al-Futtaim Logistics

As the world becomes more acutely aware of our impact on the environment, new methods of doing business have to be found. Logistics forms a key pillar within the supply chain and is an area where greener practices can make a big difference.

At Al-Futtaim Logistics, we take our stewardship of the environment and our business’ effect on the world around us very seriously. Thanks to our efforts to employ green freight practices within our business model, we were able to achieve the Green Freight Asia GFA Label – Leaf 2 award in 2019 and moved to Leaf 3 in 2022.

  • We did this by using carbon emissions reduction technology to cut the greenhouse gases released by our fleet.
  • We implemented a regular maintenance program to ensure our vehicles were running as efficiently as possible.
  • We also train our drivers on the principles and techniques of eco-driving to improve fuel efficiency.

But why is all this so important? How effective is sustainable transportation in the UAE? And what advances can we make to ensure that the future is a greener one where environmental pollution is cut to an absolute minimum?

Green Logistics – the future of green freight

Despite our best efforts, environmental pollution is taking its toll on our planet. It is the responsibility of everyone to make improvements in the way they live, do business, or even simply move from point A to point B. At Al-Futtaim Logistics, we have implemented a series of sustainable green voluntary initiatives to cut our emissions and bring us into line with the UAE Net Zero 2050 target.

 

Green Transport

We are taking a sustainable approach in our logistics and supply chain services by focusing on our transportation fleet. Our efforts encompass the use of Euro 5 Vehicle Standards-, transitioning to biofuel for commercial vehicles, and incorporating lithium-ion batteries into material handling equipment to minimize emissions at the source. In a significant development, Al-Futtaim has solidified a three-year partnership with the UAE's Roads and Transport Authority, where we will serve as their official mobility partner. This partnership includes providing 350 electric and hybrid cars, 10 electric buses, and expertise in electric charging technology and infrastructure. It aligns with the UAE's ambitious environmental goals, emphasizing our commitment to building an extensive electric vehicle ecosystem in the country.

 

Recycle, Reuse, Reduce

This mantra has been adopted across the world, and in our opinion, it makes real sense. Recycling everything, we can from batteries to eliminating non-recyclable wrapping and even phasing out single-use cutlery in our canteen all make a difference. Every opportunity to recycle, reuse and reduce waste in our business plays a role in solidifying our position as a legitimately sustainable logistics operation.

Energy Efficiency

This doesn’t just apply to how we run our business at Al-Futtaim Logistics, but also to how our supply chain partners operate too. Ensuring the whole process works to a more energy-efficient model creates a sustainable logistics process that reduces the impact on the planet. With our presence in over 150 countries through strategic network partners, Al-Futtaim Logistics can promote a more energy-efficient method of operating, from ensuring vehicles are serviced regularly to teaching our transport operatives greener ways of driving.

Society and Environment

Finally, logistics companies like us are in a unique position to be able to reach out to the society around us and influence it positively through participation in green community events and supporting initiatives such as EARTH HOUR and employee welfare roadshows.

All of these are effective ways of creating more environmentally mindful and sustainable transportation in the UAE and beyond. Working with supply chain partners and constantly re-evaluating our methodology and business models ensures that we can achieve the targets set out in the UAE Net Zero 2050 plan, and work towards a more sustainable future.

Interested in partnering for sustainable logistics solutions? Contact Al-Futtaim Logistics to explore how our green freight initiatives can support your business and environmental goal.