Nestle’s Green Drive: Electric Truck Revolutionises Distribution

In a groundbreaking move towards eco-conscious distribution, Cereal Partners UK (CPUK), the manufacturer of Nestle cereals, has unveiled its first electric truck, heralding a new era of sustainable transportation

The Volvo FM Battery Electric, stationed at CPUK’s state-of-the-art factory in Staverton, Wiltshire, represents a significant investment in reducing the environmental impact of distributing CPUK’s renowned cereal portfolio.

The electric truck will serve as the linchpin in CPUK’s logistics chain, shuttling products to its distribution centre in Melksham with a primary focus on delivering household favourites, such as Shredded Wheat and Shreddies

This strategic placement ensures efficient and eco-friendly transportation of CPUK’s products from production to distribution, cutting down on carbon emissions and contributing to a greener supply chain.

To support the electrification of its fleet, CPUK has installed a cutting-edge 160kW DC electric vehicle charger at its distribution centre. This charger will enable rapid charging, with the e-truck juicing up in just two hours, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum efficiency. 

Furthermore, this infrastructure investment underscores CPUK’s commitment to embracing green technology and accelerating its journey towards sustainability.

The decision to invest in electric vehicles forms a pivotal part of CPUK’s broader environmental strategy, which includes ambitious targets to reduce emissions by 20% by 2025 – an objective the company is poised to achieve well ahead of schedule. 

The head of supply chain & procurement at CPUK emphasises that the purchase of the electric truck marks a significant milestone in CPUK’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. 

Furthermore, they emphasised that CPUK prides itself on being early adopters of electric vehicles, with continued investments in cutting-edge technology driving its sustainability agenda forward.

But CPUK’s sustainability initiatives extend far beyond electrifying its fleet. The company has implemented various measures outlined in its comprehensive net-zero roadmap, including the adoption of LED lighting across its warehouses. 

This switch to energy-efficient lighting has resulted in an impressive 23% reduction in energy usage compared to 2021, demonstrating CPUK’s holistic approach to reducing its environmental footprint.

Moreover, CPUK is exploring innovative solutions, such as intermodal transportation for imported goods, leveraging short sea routes and optimising vehicle capacity utilisation to further minimise its carbon footprint. 

The company is also revolutionising ingredient sourcing through initiatives, like the Nestle Wheat Plan, forging partnerships with British wheat farmers to promote regenerative agriculture practices and ensure a more sustainable supply chain from farm to table.

CPUK’s commitment to sustainability aligns seamlessly with Nestle’s overarching environmental goals, including halving emissions within the next six years and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. 

Nestle UK and Ireland, CPUK’s parent company, are equally dedicated to driving sustainability forward, with recent initiatives including the introduction of bio LNG trucks and trials involving rail containers and electric shunters.

In conclusion, CPUK’s investment in its first electric truck marks a significant milestone in its journey towards greener distribution practices. By embracing electric vehicles, implementing energy-efficient technologies, and revolutionising ingredient sourcing, CPUK is leading the charge towards a more sustainable future.

As other companies begin to follow suit, we move closer to a world where environmental stewardship and business success go hand in hand, driving positive change for generations to come.

News Credits: Nestlé cereal manufacture joins EV ranks

Things you may also like:

  1. Asda’s Eco-Friendly Packaging for Just Essentials Beef Mince
  2. A Modern Twist: Fortnum & Mason’s Cultivated Meat Scotch Egg
  3. Roxanne UK’s Multi-Million Pound Investment