As part of its sustainability strategy, the BERNER Group is also focusing on consistently reducing its ecological footprint when delivering good.
CO2-neutral filling material: BERNER introduces sustainable packaging concept throughout Europe
As part of its sustainability strategy, the BERNER Group is also focusing on consistently reducing its ecological footprint when delivering goods. With immediate effect, the B2B retail group will only use CO2-neutral filling material in its packaging at all 13 European logistics centers. The switch to innovate air cushions actively contributes to saving more that 1.7 million liters of water (approx. 11,000 bathtub fillings) and around 180,000 kWh of electricity, which corresponds to annual energy consumption of around 60 households. The family-run company is thus making a significan contribution to protecting the environment.
Half of the air cushions used by BERNER are made from plant waste (including green waste) and the other half from processed packaging waste, i.e. waste that comes from end consumers via the "yellow bag" or deposit machines. The concept is well received by automotive and construction professionals, as a random sample of more than 120 randomly selected test customers on the German market shows. "Great for the environment" - says one of the respondents about the changeover. Almost 99% are also of the opinion that the goods ordered are adequately protected by the new air cushions.
High saving potential for resources
After successful delivery, the CO2-neutral filling material can be easily disposed of with the recycling waste and thus returned to the material cycle. "By choosing this material, we are supporting the process of collecting, reprocessing and transforming a previously used plastic product into something new and thus the idea of recyclability," emphasizes Katharina Koser, Head of Corporate Responsibility at the BERNER Group.
The BERNER Group will realize the following significant resource savings in the future as a result of the changeover compared to the general use of paper in the industry:
159,497 kg CO2 equivalent
174,795 kWh electricity
1,785,420 liters of water
In addition to their resource-saving production, the air cushions have other positive effects.
Thanks to their significantly lower weight compared to conventional filling material (weight reduction of up to 85 per cent), there is significantly less transport load on the road when the products are delivered, for example - which also protects the environment.
Focusing on what is feasible
"As a company, we focus primarily on the levers we can pull ourselves when implementing our sustainability strategy. We have full control when it comes to avoiding waste through more climate-friendly packaging concepts. That's why we have decided to boldly lead the way once again with an innovative solution," explains Alexander Kloster, Senior Director Warehouse Management, who, together with his colleague Sebastian Knecht (Director Cluster Warehouse), is centrally responsible for the Europe-wide introduction of the new, more resource-efficient delivery method at the BERNER Group.