Westerman receives the Lean & Green Award with 3 Stars

We are proud! Westerman Multimodal Logistics has been awarded the Lean & Green Award with 3 Stars! This recognition proves that we have achieved a 35% CO₂ reduction. Curious to learn more? Read the interview with our colleague!

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Westerman receives the Lean & Green Award with 3 Stars

Source: Lean-green.nl / Author and photos: Miranda Kleine
https://www.lean-green.nl/3e-star-westerman-benelux/

 

About Westerman Benelux B.V.

Westerman Multimodal Logistics focuses on smart and sustainable solutions through a wide range of services. By utilizing multiple transport modalities—truck, train, and ship—Westerman ensures that its clients’ shipments are handled as sustainably as possible. In addition, Warehousing and Value Added Logistics services are offered to fully support customers across all logistics chain stages. Operating from locations in the Netherlands and Sweden, Westerman Benelux manages distribution activities across the Benelux and Germany.

 

Sustainability at Westerman Benelux B.V.

Frank Hagenus: “As a family business, we believe that we have the earth on loan, and our vision can be summarized by the concept of ‘good stewardship.’” That is why sustainability is fully embedded in Westerman’s strategic plan. This plan is based on three pillars: Social (social and vital), Ambition (smart growth), and Sustainability (sustainable development). Within these pillars, a comprehensive program of projects has been developed that Westerman will implement in the coming years.

Westerman’s various sustainability objectives:

  • Further reducing CO₂ emissions per ton: an additional 10% reduction by 2025, on top of the 35% already achieved in 2022.
  • Ensuring that 25% of all employees who live within a 10-kilometer radius of the workplace commute CO₂-neutrally.
  • Achieving the third Lean & Green Star (which has now been realized).

 

Various Measures Taken to Achieve These Sustainability Goals:

  • Implementing speed limiters on trucks, restricting speeds to 85 kilometers per hour.
  • Optimizing transport planning through the Smarttour system, reducing waiting times and empty kilometers.
  • Establishing horizontal collaborations with transport sector companies, such as DistriXL, a partnership that includes Westerman Logistics B.V. and seven other companies.
  • Modernizing the fleet, partly by introducing LZVs (Longer and Heavier Vehicles).
  • Implementing TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System), an electronic system that monitors tire pressure and issues alerts when it drops too low.
  • Training and monitoring drivers through the HNR (New Driving) course, promoting fuel-efficient driving.
  • Installing a double-floor system in trailers for bicycle transport. Previously, bicycles were not stackable; the double floor increases loading capacity.
  • Embedding sustainability as a fixed topic in customer discussions, including: optimizing distribution patterns based on shipment analysis (exploring ways to consolidate distribution activities and lower emissions together).

 

The Lean & Green journey

In 2022, Westerman Benelux B.V. embarked on the Lean & Green program. Frank Hagenus: “We wanted our sustainability goals to be objectively assessed by an independent and widely recognized certification. This has allowed us to demonstrate significant emissions reduction. Besides our intrinsic motivation, it also provides commercial value.”

 

The sustainable future of Westerman Benelux B.V.

Westerman Benelux B.V. continues to advance in sustainability. The company is conducting extensive research on gradually electrifying its fleet, using solar and wind energy. Additionally, Westerman Benelux B.V. remains in continuous dialogue with partners across the supply chain—suppliers, subcontractors, and distribution partners—with the goal of aligning sustainability ambitions across all stakeholders. The company also aims to support clients with insights from BigMile, a tool that enables scenario-based calculations. The objective is to provide customers with at least two transport options, varying in emissions and transit time.

 

What is your best tip for sustainability?

“Create an integrated plan with realistic ambitions that can be broken down into smaller steps. This way, different departments collaborate effectively, progress can be celebrated, and motivation stays high!”