With the supply chain at the heart of the retail industry, SPAR understands that to reduce its environmental footprint, it needs to keep on top of the latest and most sustainable supply chain trends and processes. A number of SPAR Partners have committed themselves to becoming more environmentally friendly and have implemented changes to their logistical operations – one such change being the transition to new transport fleets for product deliveries, which have a lower CO2 output.

SPAR Netherlands

SPAR Netherlands has introduced Longer and Heavier Vehicles (LHVs) to help expand its delivery area. With a maximum length of 25 meters, the LHVs can weigh 60 tons instead of the regular 50 tons and as such, can carry more cargo and reach further distances more efficiently. They simultaneously use about 30% less fuel that traditional Large Goods Vehicles (LGVs). As a result, the LHVs emit less CO2 and thus reduce SPAR’s environmental impact.

In keeping with SPAR Netherlands’ new brand-building campaign, the LHVs have been branded with the new style SPAR communications and will supply SPAR stores in the north of the country.

SPAR Austria

SPAR Austria supplies more than 1,500 retail outlets daily through the use of a modern trucking fleet from six warehouses located throughout the country. The SPAR Partner has seen that through improved route planning and better utilisation of its­­­ trucks, around 2.4 million trucking kilometres can be saved annually. Thanks to these positive results, SPAR Austria will continue to work towards increased efficiency and less mileage in its transport operations.

As a member of the Council for Sustainable Logistics (CNL), together with eight other member companies, SPAR Austria will soon start testing the first e-trucks for medium and heavy distribution traffic. SPAR Austria’s participation in the CNL and its involvement in the development of electric trucks suitable for everyday use, shows its commitment to achieving emission-free food deliveries in the future.

The e-trucks are sure to be a good solution in inner cities and residential areas thanks to their reduced noise pollution and low carbon footprints.