Environment

When it comes to climate protection, trans-o-flex prioritizes the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants. Our goal is to be CO2e-neutral by 2045. To achieve this, we are continuously improving our processes and working closely with our transport partners.

More than 90% of our CO2e emissions come from our transport service providers (Scope 3). Together with them, we therefore focus on measures such as optimized route planning, better vehicle utilization and avoiding empty runs. We also test vehicles with alternative drive systems, provided they meet the requirements to ensure the safety of temperature-sensitive goods and hazardous goods.

Our approach can be summarized in three steps: determine, avoid, reduce. In addition, we regularly renew our vehicle fleet and optimize routes to reduce energy and fuel consumption. Fewer kilometers and lower fuel consumption mean fewer emissions and a better carbon footprint.

In order to reduce negative ecological effects along the value chain, we want to use the materials deployed efficiently and thus reduce the impact on the environment. For this reason, trans-o-flex uses recycled or recyclable materials wherever possible. For example, we only use secondary materials for the necessary packaging in the logistics service area, rely on renewable raw materials wherever possible for paper consumption and goods handling, and are constantly making our processes more efficient.

When pallets are transported within the trans-o-flex network, the goods are wrapped in film for protection. trans-o-flex is testing the use of materials with a higher recycled content. In addition, so-called cages are being used on the first lines in the network. With this fixed frame, the goods can be secured and protected without the need to completely wrap the pallets. Through joint projects with customers, the proportion of reusable boxes in the system was increased by 36% in 2023. In addition, durable and hygienic plastic pallets are used in the internal goods handling between the trans-o-flex locations (H1 pallet).

The supply of fossil energy sources is limited and their use releases greenhouse gases. We are therefore required to keep consumption as low as possible and to reduce the use of energy at all trans-o-flex locations in Germany and Austria. As a specialist in the actively temperature-controlled storage and transportation of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals in the 2 to 8 °C and 15 to 25 °C ranges, we must resolve a particular conflict of objectives. On the one hand, it is important to consistently reduce energy consumption. On the other hand, it is important to ensure that the temperature ranges specified by legislation and pharmaceutical manufacturers are always adhered to during transportation and storage so that sensitive medicines such as vaccines, insulin or ointments can be fully effective for the end consumer.

trans-o-flex sources its electricity exclusively from renewable energies. To ensure that we always know where energy can be saved, we record our consumption as part of our emissions accounting. In addition, we are currently working on implementing an energy management system in accordance with ISO 50001 to continuously monitor energy consumption and improve energy efficiency.

In order to increase our energy efficiency, we are specifically focusing on the following areas:

• New sorting plants meet the latest energy efficiency criteria.
• We are increasing the energy efficiency of existing properties by improving insulation, switching to LED lighting. Additionally, we are examining which buildings can be fitted with photovoltaic systems. This is a particularly important factor in the summer months, when both photovoltaic production and energy consumption for cooling the goods are high. In addition, we are working with the landlords to check which other energy improvement measures are possible.
• At 11 locations, we use the principle of free cooling in addition to the classic temperature control using air conditioning units. The temperature in the warehouse is regulated by controlled ventilation of outside air. Only when the specified temperature ranges can no longer be maintained using this type of air conditioning, the additional air conditioning units are automatically activated.
• To save energy, ThermoMed locations are integrated into the Express locations where possible. This reduces external temperature influences, as the Express locations already have a controlled temperature environment.
• Further energy-saving measures are to be achieved through so-called “Green IT”. This means that the use of information and communication technology should be designed to be environmentally friendly and resource-efficient throughout its entire life cycle – from production and operation through to disposal of the devices.

In terms of CO2e, buildings are the second main cause of emissions. Heating and cooling the sites in particular is energy intensive. However, this energy has so far been necessary to ensure the quality of the sensitive medicines handed over to trans-o-flex and thus to meet the temperature requirements of EU Good Distribution Practice, the guideline for good distribution practice of medicinal products for human use.

In order to reduce energy consumption, heating systems that currently still run on oil or gas will be gradually renewed and replaced by more energy-efficient systems such as heat pumps. This will take place at the latest when moving into new buildings. Here, the most economical heating and cooling concepts possible are considered during the planning stage. This includes so-called free cooling, which enables natural ventilation of the operational sites and thus reduces the hours of use of the air conditioning units. In addition, photovoltaic systems are used to increase the self-generated electricity production rate and reduce electricity purchases.

We also implement a wide range of other sustainability approaches in buildings. These include multiple glazing and sun protection for office windows, daylight utilization, high-speed doors and dock seals as well as rainwater utilization. We also consider solutions for the recovery of service and wastewater, use ecological building materials and pay attention to their environmental compatibility when selecting insulation materials and paints. At all locations, recyclable materials are separated and recycled.

The plastic pallets purchased in 2019 and the new reusable system introduced in 2020 do not yet have a directly measurable impact on our own emissions balance. Nevertheless, we are ensuring greater sustainability, as trans-o-flex is helping its customers to improve their own ecological footprint with the reusable boxes. Since customers can reduce packaging related CO2e emissions by around 50% with the reusable system, customers will gradually be supported in using reusable boxes for shipping instead of conventional cardboard. In the 2022 reporting year, 1.1 million reusable containers made of 100% recyclable plastic were handed over to trans-o-flex, which further reduced the proportion of cardboard packaging.

Read more about the tof.ecobox here: tof.ecobox – smart return logistics 

Since 2023, customers have also had the option of using the plastic pallets previously used by trans-o-flex for internal goods handling and long-distance transport to hand over goods to trans-o-flex. The changeover not only brings operational advantages for both sides, but also contributes to greater sustainability. This is because wooden Euro pallets only last eight cycles on average. After that, they are usually so damaged that they must be replaced. The Euro H1 pallets have been proven to last more than 500 cycles. They are also lighter than a wooden pallet, which weighs 24 kilos when new and absorbs more and more moisture over the course of its short life and becomes even heavier. The plastic pallet weighs 18 kilos, a quarter less, and maintains its weight and appearance. This reduces the weight to be transported and, as a result, transport-related emissions are lower compared to conventional wooden pallets.