Huntsman wins Dutch “Lean & Green” award

 

Launched by the Dutch Ministry of Transport and Public Works, the Lean and Green award scheme recognises enterprises that strive to achieve CO₂ reductions through the careful planning, implementation and management of environmentally conscious distribution and logistics strategies.

Huntsman received the award for its commitment to cutting CO₂ emissions at its Rozenburg site in Holland. The company has already optimised critical parts of its European supply chain but aims to make further reductions of between 5 – 10 % by 2012.

Max Van der Meer, CEO of Huntsman Holland said: "Developing products that help with sustainability issues and monitoring our own impact on the planet is incredibly important to Huntsman. We have numerous EHS policies in place and take great pride in operating safe, clean, efficient sites that are managed in an environmentally responsible way. The first step in optimising our Rozenburg supply chain was taken back in the 1990s. Today, more than 90 % of the raw materials we employ arrive on site via a pipeline – a move that has dramatically reduced our reliance on the road network and cut our carbon footprint. A large proportion of outgoing product now also leaves the site by pipeline heading to a transport terminal in the area, with the remainder sold and transported in bulk.”

Leen Wendels, supply chain manager at Huntsman Holland said: “When it comes to making additional improvements, our current priorities are to collaborate with other chemical companies on shipments and make the most of intermodal transport solutions for all products leaving Rozenburg and headed for European destinations. This means maximising every road, rail and sea trip. We are also looking to improve our site infrastructure. Small changes like moving our truck entrance have the potential to reduce freight movement by up to 25,000 miles per annum – that’s the equivalent of approximately 39,000 kg of CO₂. We are delighted that our efforts and commitment to future CO₂ reductions have been recognised with a Lean and Green award."