Logistics Efficiencies Show JohnsonDiversey that Less is More
JohnsonDiversey sells products in more than 175 countries but has put in place a series of projects that will cut logistics-related greenhouse gas emissions by a quarter while allowing the company to trim lead times on product deliveries and boost service levels.
JohnsonDiversey sells products in more than 175 countries but has put in place a series of projects that will cut logistics-related greenhouse gas emissions by a quarter while allowing the company to trim lead times on product deliveries and boost service levels.
The Racine, Wis.-based company undertook a series of initiatives at facilities around the world that have changed the way it transports products in Europe and North America, JohnsonDiversey revealed in its latest Global Responsibility Report, which is available online.
The company, which makes cleaning and food safety products, consolidated four warehouses into one next to an existing manufacturing facility, while one of the company's paper tissue suppliers relocated to the same complex in Turkey. The company now ships chemical and paper orders to customers on the same truck to further trim emissions and fuel consumption. Truck movement between JohnsonDiversey’s manufacturing plant and warehouse was drastically reduced with the installation of a lift and conveyor system that connects the two facilities. Forklift operations have declined, leading to less energy consumption.
The results are impressive: JohnsonDiversey expects the initiative will reduce emissions by 457 metric tons -- about a 25 percent drop -- and save 42,267 gallons of fuel every year.
In addition to performing sustainability surveys with its top suppliers, JohnsonDiversey has also tweaked its packaging, product palleting and truck-loading practices to boost the amount of product per pallet for five package types.
The initiative originated in a similar effort in The Netherlands where it cut emissions from product transportation operations by 7.2 percent in one year. The initiative has since been introduced to operations in Italy and France. A separate project in North America that targeted the consolidation of customer orders and optimized delivery routes led to a 5.1 percent dip in truck and rail shipment emissions in two years; during the same period, shipment volume grew 4.4 percent.
Other highlights of the report include:
The Racine, Wis.-based company undertook a series of initiatives at facilities around the world that have changed the way it transports products in Europe and North America, JohnsonDiversey revealed in its latest Global Responsibility Report, which is available online.
The company, which makes cleaning and food safety products, consolidated four warehouses into one next to an existing manufacturing facility, while one of the company's paper tissue suppliers relocated to the same complex in Turkey. The company now ships chemical and paper orders to customers on the same truck to further trim emissions and fuel consumption. Truck movement between JohnsonDiversey’s manufacturing plant and warehouse was drastically reduced with the installation of a lift and conveyor system that connects the two facilities. Forklift operations have declined, leading to less energy consumption.
The results are impressive: JohnsonDiversey expects the initiative will reduce emissions by 457 metric tons -- about a 25 percent drop -- and save 42,267 gallons of fuel every year.
In addition to performing sustainability surveys with its top suppliers, JohnsonDiversey has also tweaked its packaging, product palleting and truck-loading practices to boost the amount of product per pallet for five package types.
The initiative originated in a similar effort in The Netherlands where it cut emissions from product transportation operations by 7.2 percent in one year. The initiative has since been introduced to operations in Italy and France. A separate project in North America that targeted the consolidation of customer orders and optimized delivery routes led to a 5.1 percent dip in truck and rail shipment emissions in two years; during the same period, shipment volume grew 4.4 percent.
Other highlights of the report include:
• JohnsonDiversey’s Denmark operations enjoyed lower energy and water use while also cutting the amount of waste it sends to landfills due to simple steps, such as recycling, installing low-flow toilets and shutting off computers, desk lamps, coffee makers, printers and other electronics at night.
• The company created a Global Value Chain environmental impact tool, a lifecycle analysis application that helps inform decisions related to manufacturing, sourcing and logistics.
• The company has focused on helping customers reduce environmental impacts, such as a pilot project with a group of bottlers interested in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs related to the cleaning process of their bottling lines. The partners were able to trim a few steps from the cleaning process and utilize room temperature water rather than hot water. The move saved $100,000 in energy, water and waste expenses and cut annual greenhouse gas emissions by more than 1,200 metric tons.
• Company scientists use a Global Action List of prohibited or restricted chemicals while creating new products. The list includes more than 60 chemicals or classes of chemicals, and is updated annually.
• The company will spend $19 million over five years to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 8 percent below 2003 levels by 2013 as part of its WWF Climate Savers membership. JohnsonDiversey estimates the commitment will save $31 million through 2013.
