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Porto Itapoá Breaks Ground as the First Carbon-Neutral Port in Brazil

Itapoá

Porto Itapoá Breaks Ground as the First Carbon-Neutral Port in Brazil

Porto Itapoá, a prominent player in Brazil’s port industry, is making waves by spearheading environmental initiatives and setting a new standard for sustainable practices. Notably, the port is set to become the first in Brazil to integrate carbon credits into its operations through the innovative Carbon Neutralization Project, a collaboration with the Ambipar Group. This groundbreaking project, commencing in 2024, allows terminal customers to purchase carbon credits certified by Ambipar, derived from forest conservation or reforestation, to offset their emissions.

Sergni Pessoa Rosa Jr., the director of Operations, Technology, and Environment at Porto Itapoá, emphasizes the significance of this initiative, positioning the port as a trailblazer in the carbon credit market. This forward-thinking approach is expected to have a ripple effect throughout the entire logistics chain, showcasing Porto Itapoá’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

In addition to the Carbon Neutralization Project, Porto Itapoá has revamped its energy acquisition policy, opting to exclusively consume renewable energy in new contracts starting in 2023. This shift is certified by I-REC(e), a global tracking system for renewable energy attributes, ensuring reliable accounting of renewable energy consumption.

The port is also embarking on a solar energy capture project, conducting a pilot study with installed panels to assess solar light incidence in Itapoá. The data gathered will serve as a foundation for future solar energy projects not only for Porto Itapoá but for the entire municipality, contributing to the broader adoption of sustainable energy practices.

Porto Itapoá’s commitment to environmental excellence is further underscored by its achievement of the Gold Seal of the GHG Protocol in 2023 for the second time. This accolade, implemented by the Center for Sustainability Studies at the Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGVces) in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment, recognizes the port’s dedication to reducing carbon emissions. The port has also invested over R$ 25 million in new autonomous RTGs, positioning itself as the first terminal in South America to operate these innovative machines, which consume up to three times less fuel than conventional ones.

For Sergni Pessoa Rosa Jr., the director of Operations, Technology, and Environment, Porto Itapoá’s commitment to economic development intertwined with socio-environmental responsibility reflects the most sustainable path for a company. The aim is to create an environment where all stakeholders can coexist harmoniously in a healthy and sustainable ecosystem.

global

MODE Global Attains EcoVadis Silver Rating, Recognizing ESG Excellence

MODE Global, a prominent third-party logistics firm, proudly announces that it has achieved the esteemed “Silver” rating from EcoVadis, a leading provider of business sustainability ratings and performance improvement tools for global supply chains.

EcoVadis evaluates companies based on international sustainability standards, including the Global Reporting Initiative, the United Nations Global Compact, and ISO 26000. The sustainability scorecard assesses performance across 21 indicators categorized into four themes: environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. The “Silver” rating reflects MODE’s position among the top 25 percent of companies assessed.

Lance Malesh, President, and CEO of MODE Global expressed, “2023 has proven to be a landmark year in MODE’s ESG journey.” He emphasized the company’s enhanced focus on environmental, social, and governance pillars, attributing the success to the efforts of the ESG committee.

As a global shipping and logistics provider, MODE is an EPA Certified SmartWay® Logistics Company Partner. In 2023, MODE invested significantly in technology tools aimed at helping customers reduce their carbon footprint. This includes carbon calculators to analyze transitioning over-the-road shipments to more environmentally friendly transportation modes, contributing to reduced fuel usage and costs through tools like consolidation, smart routing, and asset optimization.

In the realm of governance, MODE received the 2023 NAVEX Excellence in Ethics and Compliance Award, highlighting the company’s commitment to maintaining a culture of compliance, protecting stakeholders’ interests, and aligning with its brand and values.

Sharon Johnson, Chief Legal Officer, and ESG committee executive sponsor remarked, “The transformative strides we’ve accomplished company-wide in support of our ESG and sustainability goals are phenomenal.” She emphasized the significance of securing the Silver rating for both MODE Transportation and MODE Global, underscoring the commitment to driving ESG importance across the family of brands.

The recognition from EcoVadis reaffirms MODE Global’s dedication to environmental responsibility, ethical practices, and governance excellence, setting a strong foundation for continued progress in 2024.

green logistics

Green Logistics: Steering Towards a Carbon-neutral Future in Global Trade

Climate change is a global challenge with a far-reaching impact on world economies. As such, companies must adopt green logistics in today’s global trade. Green logistics benefits businesses, allowing your company to save money and the environment while also meeting consumers’ desire to support sustainable companies.

Your supply chain and overall logistics are critical areas to focus on when it comes to sustainability. Your company can develop a green logistics policy with advanced technologies and strategies. Doing so will allow you to reap significant benefits from a greener approach to production and delivery in a global economy while working toward a carbon-neutral future.

Strategies for Achieving Carbon-neutral Logistics Goals

Building a greener supply chain and achieving carbon neutrality are top priorities for businesses in the shipping industry. There are a few particular areas you can focus on to work toward those goals:

Maximizing Shipping Efficiency

Businesses must determine their total carbon emissions from product transportation. That includes production emissions, packaging, and fuel for shipping. With a carbon footprint calculator, your business can develop an effective decarbonization plan to maximize shipping efficiency. 

The logistics industry relies on fossil fuels, such as freight carriers and trucks, to operate shipping transports. One way to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint is to slow down these vehicles, as slower transports burn less fuel. Harnessing the wind to speed up ship transportation is another green option for your business to consider. Additionally, delivery businesses can offset future carbon emissions by investing in electric or hybrid vehicles.

If investing in a new fleet isn’t a realistic option for your business, you may consider a split inventory strategy instead. A split inventory strategy is when a company has many locations, with some inventory stored at each one. It allows for more efficient order fulfillment by shipping from a location close to a customer.

Minimizing Packing and Inventory Waste

Minimizing packaging and inventory waste is another way to reduce carbon emissions. Try to decrease the amount of materials needed to package your products. Whenever possible, use materials that are better for the environment for packaging.

Further, if your company has too many products, that increases its carbon footprint. Excess inventory can harm the environment due to the pollution and waste associated with packaging, transit, and storage — in addition to the negative impacts it can have on your bottom line.

You can avoid these pitfalls by using forecasting strategies or a demand plan. A demand plan involves an appraisal of your current products, safety stock, and turnover ratio. You may find inaccurate inventory data after conducting an in-depth stock review, but that’s the purpose of the demand plan. You can avoid costly inventory issues using advanced warehouse management or wholesale software programs.

Technology and Sustainability Equals Efficiency

Your businesses can work to identify and solve supply chain problems using advanced technology. A supply chain’s feasibility has everything to do with its efficiency or lack thereof. Your business needs the right tech programs to effectively view and run supply chains from beginning to end, and ensure each link in the chain is as sustainable as possible.

Cloud-based computing reduces carbon emissions while increasing energy efficiency. If your business houses traditional servers, they produce heat; therefore, your data center must use cooling systems to prevent server overheating. That process adds to your business’s carbon footprint through energy waste. Moving data to the cloud reduces the carbon emissions from air conditioners and cooling systems. Finally, logical order fulfillment backed by digital management can shorten your supply chain, lowering emissions.

Further, IoT (Internet of Things) and AI platforms can analyze and predict your organization’s supply chain logistics. These programs may save your business money while lessening its carbon footprint. Furthermore, these transparent programs will help your company meet global net-zero goals.

The Branding Benefits of Carbon-neutral Policies

Companies using sustainable practices have seen a positive increase in public perception. A growing number of consumers have concerns about the changing climate and want to support sustainable businesses that are working to minimize their own environmental impacts.

You can cultivate goodwill and expand your market by addressing customer demand for carbon-neutral shipping and packaging. Transparency regarding your company’s carbon-neutral policies is a smart way to create an association between your brand and green logistics. Let customers know the types of eco-friendly packaging and materials you use, such as corrugated bubble wrap, bioplastics, and plant fibers.

Company branding linked with forward-thinking approaches to carbon neutrality can lead to higher sales, a larger consumer base, and a healthier environment.

Getting Your Team to Go Green

While the benefits of going green are clear, getting buy-in from your team is key for these changes to work in the long term. Your employees will make decisions in their daily work that directly impact your organization’s ability to achieve its goals.

However, employee buy-in needs to be earned. It occurs through project transparency, asking for feedback, and implementing employee ideas. Teamwork is critical to success, so asking for and listening to your employees’ concerns is necessary. You can also use creative activities to encourage team bonding and brainstorming for new projects.

Company leaders should always recognize employee contributions through meetings, feedback, notes, or emails. If you don’t acknowledge employee input, getting employees on board with the new policy is much harder. Employees who feel seen and respected are likelier to show more effort and be open-minded to shifting policies and projects.

A Sustainability Role on the Global Stage

The ongoing climate crisis is causing many companies to transition toward a low-carbon economy. Net-zero carbon policies may improve global trade patterns, moving the business world toward reducing wasted energy, production, and consumption. By using green strategies and technologies, your business can stake its claim with a carbon-neutral role on the global trade stage.

warehouse

Carbon Neutral Warehouse will Power European Growth

A British logistics specialist has invested £10 million in developing the greenest storage and distribution hub in central England to support the growth of European manufacturers and retailers.

The purpose-built carbon neutral warehouse from Midlands-based PGS Global Logistics Ltd is attracting strong interest from Europe due to its sustainable storage and distribution facilities.

The new warehouse has an A-rated energy performance certificate (EPC) and benefits from 500 energy generating solar panels, backed up by an industrial battery storage system.

The high specification warehouse will double PGS Global Logistics’ pallet storage capabilities from 15,000 to 30,000 and benefit from Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) pallet racking to maximize capacity.

Electric forklift trucks and a fully integrated market-leading warehouse management system have enabled the company to develop a facility for storage, picking and packing that is ideally suited to ecommerce and more traditional routes to market. 

The warehouse will also act as a hub for same day and next day parcel distribution, pallet and full truck load deliveries to all areas of the UK, including the distribution centers of all major retailers.   

By investing in renewable energy sources, PGS Global Logistics aims to generate enough electricity to be self-sufficient for approximately eight months of the year.

The bonded warehouse has been developed to serve European customers who want a centrally-located distribution center in the UK that can offset some of the carbon emissions from the supply chain and provide an end-to-end international solution via road, ocean and air.

About PGS Global Logistics 

It’s been 25 years since MD Paul Eyles collected his first consignment from Carrs Tool Steels in Smethwick to deliver to London.

Since then, the business has grown and expanded with the same personal service, values and attention to detail as that first delivery. With over 100 vehicles and 200 members of the team, PGS Global Logistics is a logistics giant, but still remember why Carrs trusted us then and still trust us now to get their goods delivered intact and on time.

The close attention to detail and the sense of personal service that is only normally associated with a small family run business is the basis on which PGS Global Logistics and all its employees operate.

PGS Global Logistics takes time to listen to customers’ requirements, allowing us to offer a unique service, unbeatable by anyone else in the industry.

At PGS Global Logistics we take great pride in what we do and refuse to accept second best!

 

manufacturing

GLOBAL MANUFACTURERS THAT ROLL PLANET PRESERVATION INTO THEIR BUSINESS PLANS

Sustainability is undoubtedly the critical issue of our time. 

With the global population expected to reach 9.6 billion by 2050, the United Nations estimates that the equivalent of almost three planets would be required to provide the natural resources needed to sustain that many modern lifestyles.

While consumption and production are critical to the global economy, current volumes and unsustainable practices are placing a massive strain on the environment and its resources, leading to some already catastrophic impacts.

For instance, Deloitte reports that between 2000 and 2020, CO2 emissions released by global fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes rose by roughly 35%, to 34.07 billion metric tons. Given the need to address climate change and meet net-zero targets, this trend must be reversed.

Thankfully, many manufacturers are now recognizing the strong business case behind pursuing more sustainable practices. Indeed, operating in a sustainable manner can improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, lower costs, increase operational efficiency, enhance brand reputation, boost recruitment and staff retention practices, provide competitive advantages, futureproof for regulatory constraints and opportunities, and unlock access to government grants and funding.

Of course, sustainability is not a case of one-size-fits-all. Every manufacturer is different, and each will have to make sustainable changes that match unique criteria. Yet this diversity is resulting in an abundance of commendable innovations. 

What follows are some leading global manufacturing companies that are taking proactive and progressive approaches toward sustainability.

CANADIAN PACIFIC

Canadian Pacific (CP) is one firm leading the sustainability charge in the rail arena, having introduced a hydrogen locomotive program back in December 2020.

Many railway operators globally use diesel-powered locomotives at present, representing the industry’s most significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. 

Recognizing this, CP has introduced a host of sustainability initiatives that have been successful in improving its fuel efficiency by more than 40% in the past three decades. Should the hydrogen program prove to be successful, it will help the firm take a further leap toward sustainable practices and serve to revolutionize energy consumption for the industry as a whole.

CP is in the process of retrofitting a line-haul locomotive with hydrogen fuel cells and battery technology to power the locomotive’s electric traction motors. The company will then conduct rail service trials and qualification testing to evaluate the technology’s readiness for real world use. 

To accelerate the program, the company also recently received a CA$15 million (US$12.1 million) grant from Emissions Reduction Alberta to increase the number of hydrogen locomotive conversions from one to three, as well as developing more hydrogen production and fueling facilities at CP’s rail yards in Calgary and Edmonton.

The former will comprise an electrolysis plant that will produce hydrogen from water, this process powered by solar panels at CP’s headquarters campus to keep emissions at zero. The latter, meanwhile, will see a small-scale steam methane reformation system being used to generate hydrogen while tapping into Alberta’s abundant natural gas resources.

RIO TINTO, POSCO, METSO OUTOTEC

Over in the mining and metals sector, organizations are also tapping into the potential of hydrogen to unlock similarly transformative solutions.

Rio Tinto, the world’s third largest mining company, has partnered with POSCO, the largest steel producer in South Korea, for the exploration and development of technologies capable of contributing to a low-carbon emission steel value-chain.

Both firms have outlined ambitions to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, the integration of Rio Tinto’s iron ore processing technology and POSCO’s steelmaking technology set to be pivotal in helping them to each reach such their intended sustainability targets.

In addition, Finnish metals specialist Metso Outotec is equally championing sustainability in the sector thanks to its unique Circored process, this involving the use of hydrogen to decarbonize the production of steel.

The flexible Circored process produces highly metalized direct reduced iron or hot briquetted iron which is then in turn used directly as a feed material in electric arc furnaces for carbon-free steelmaking.

Not only does this not require any fossil fuels, but it also helps Metso Outotec to minimize its costs by eliminating the need for energy-intensive pelletizing.

PACCAR, DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, VOLVO GROUP

Back in the transportation sector, automotive manufacturers PACCAR, Daimler Trucks North America and Volvo Group recently sealed $127 million of $199 million in U.S. federal funding made available for the development of advanced battery-electric and fuel cell electric truck projects.

According to the International Energy Agency, transport accounts for approximately one fifth of all CO2 emissions, with 74.5% of this contribution stemming from passenger vehicles (45.1%) and road freight vehicles (29.4%).

Known as SuperTruck 3, the federal funding initiative is a five-year dollar-for-dollar investment matching program designed to accelerate the development of pollution reducing electrified medium- and heavy-duty trucks and freight system concepts that will either achieve zero emissions or improve energy efficiency. 

PACCAR secured $33 million of the funds to develop 18 class 8 battery-electric and fuel-cell trucks, as well as a megawatt charging station.

Daimler Trucks North America has received $26 million to develop two class 8 fuel cell trucks that have a 600-mile range and 25,000-hour durability–providing similar operational output compared with a diesel vehicle.

And Volvo Group North America will use $18 million in SuperTruck 3 funding to manufacture a 400-mile class 8 battery-electric tractor trailer that will focus on optimizing performance in relation to aerodynamics, tires, braking, automation and route planning. Further, the firm will also develop a megawatt charging station.

This is not the only commitment the manufacturers have made towards sustainable automotive solutions. Equally, Daimler and Volvo previously signed a joint venture to develop fuel cell vehicles during the current decade that would be sold under both brands. 

THE MARISURF CONSORTIUM

Pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing might seem like a sector less ripe for sustainability initiatives. However, the MARISURF Consortium is demonstrating that this is equally an area where much progress can be made.

The Consortium, backed by several companies and funded by a grant of 4.8 million euros (or about US$5.4 million) from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program, aims to develop alternatives for petrochemicals in pharma products using marine microorganisms.

It comprises a selection of esteemed academic institutions, end-users and industrial companies, including manufacturers such as Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant VZW, EcTechSystens Srl, Nanoimmunotech and Marlow Foods Ltd.

The goal is to produce marine microorganism-based products for personal care, food and pharmaceutical formulations, with promising progress having been made in the five years since the research project first launched. Given that the consumer industry accounts for more than 70% of demand for all petrochemicals, this is significant. 

Indeed, common petrochemical use cases include drug production, soaps, plastics, fertilizers, pesticides, paints, and build materials such as flooring and insulation. However, it is hoped that marine organisms will become a viable, natural replacement, owing to the consortium’s research. 

EN+ GROUP

While En+ Group is renowned as the world’s largest producer of low-carbon aluminum, it is also an active player in green energy solutions through several environmentally conscious initiatives. 

Many of these are driven by the firm’s New Energy program, focused on expanding clean energy generation and access. This seeks to modernize En+’s power plants through the implementation of new technologies capable of achieving greater hydropower energy efficiency and a reduced environmental impact, without increasing the water volumes passing through its hydropower turbines.

Further, the program aims to reduce En+’s environmental impact in other ways–namely through curbing the emissions of its coal-fired power plants. Initially launched in 2007 in tandem with the company’s plans to conduct the large-scale overhaul and replacement of core equipment at its largest hydropower plants based in Siberia, the project will continue to run until 2046. 

Through New Energy, it has also become the first Russian firm and just one of 28 companies globally to achieve a UN recognized Energy Compact–an initiative launched by UN Energy to acknowledge voluntary commitments by countries, businesses, and cities in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals by accelerating the transition to clean energy and improving energy access.

TRAFIGURA GROUP AND NYRSTAR

In Australia, global metals manufacturer Nyrstar and physical commodity trading company Trafigura Group have committed to a joint investment that will see the construction of a commercial scale green hydrogen manufacturing facility in Port Pirie, in partnership with the State Government of South Australia.

Currently the project is in the midst of an AUD$5 million (US$3.65 million) front end engineering design study that is expected to be concluded come the end of 2022, with construction then set to commence in 2023.

In total, the project will cost an estimated AUD$750 million (US$534 million), set to be rolled out in phases. Initially it will produce 20 tons of green hydrogen per day for export in the form of green ammonia, with plans to ramp up to 100 tons per day at full capacity, powered by a 440MW electrolyzer.

The manufacturing facility will become a key backbone of green hydrogen for Port Pirie and the surrounding region, providing significant benefit to local businesses while propelling the decarbonization of transport and industry.

The oxygen created in the hydrogen production process will also be utilized by the Nyrstar Port Pirie smelter. As part of the agreement, Trafigura will source 100% renewable energy to deliver the electricity needed to run the project’s electrolyzer, which will also contribute to decarbonizing the existing smelter’s power supply.

DEMATIC AND ASPIRE FOOD GROUP

Intelligent automation specialist Dematic and Aspire Food Group have partnered on a unique venture, constructing a flagship, state-of-the-art facility that will be used for the purpose of enhancing the production and manufacture of food-grade insect protein.

Anticipated for completion in Q1 2022, the facility will be the world’s first fully automated food-grade insect protein manufacturing site, powered by Dematic’s innovative technology. 

Its Unit-Load Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems will be implemented through the 11-story building and use 96,000 totes to breed crickets, ready to be processed for either human or pet consumption.

Industrial IoT sensors, and artificial intelligence will also be deployed to unlock key data and insights that will be used to help optimize the conditions for cricket maturation, breeding and incubation. The project will also mark the inaugural use of such technologies in the enhancement of indoor vertical agriculture with living organisms.

In total, it is estimated that the totes will be able to produce up to 20,000 tons of cricket protein and waste for fertilizer and soil supplements annually. 

HONDA AND KUEHNE+NAGEL

In China, logistics specialist Kuehne+Nagel and Honda have worked together to cut 16,000 tons of CO2 out of the supply chain of the automotive manufacturer through an ambitious road-to-rail project, reducing the regional division’s carbon emissions by as much as 70%.

Developed through KN Sincero–a joint venture between Kuehne+Nagel and Chinese logistics specialist Sincero–the initiative has seen Honda China move significant portions of its domestic long-haul trucking operations to train lines.

Tapping into regional hubs to optimize the performance of its supply chain, the manufacturer has unlocked several benefits. It has drastically reduced supply chain efficiencies and dramatically enhanced productive reliability, the project also delivering a range of value-added services spanning sorting, scanning, repackaging, GPS track and trace, and recyclable container management.

As a key partner, the project aligns with Kuehne+Nagel’s Net Zero Carbon initiative that was launched in 2019, geared toward not only lowering its own footprint but equally those of other organizations. Indeed, the firm resultantly achieved carbon neutrality globally in 2020, further turning attentions to supporting its partners thereafter through initiatives such as these.

Flow Water Creates At-Sea Solution for Bulkers

Ballast Water Management System, FlowSafe, now has the capability for at-sea installation, eliminating the need for new pipework. Flow Water Technologies took on a challenge presented by a customer, re-visited FlowSafe’s fitting functionality and created a carbon offset neutral solution for bulkers with Gravity discharge pumps.

“A ship management company put across the problem of Gravity discharge valves on bulkers and asked us how we would overcome the issue without having to introduce new pipework to the vessel,” said Mark Hadfield, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Flow Water Technologies Ltd. “FlowSafe can be installed initially on the main ballast line just like any other system, but being an active substance, the TRO needs to be measured before discharge.”

“The design of the FlowSafe BWMS allows for the TRO to be measured from in-tank and, if needed, the neutralisation of the active substance can be sent to each tank individually without altering the existing pipework. This way the gravity de-ballasting can be used as normal.”

“We are confident that this is another design from Flow Water that will favour the shipowners’ pocket for installation costs.”

 

Source: Flow Water Technologies