“By embracing change and optimising operations, we’ve not only cut carbon but also unlocked significant efficiencies—saving 25,000 miles and 37 tonnes of CO₂ in just a year.”
The Challenge
At Axil, we set out to identify efficiencies within our logistics operations, particularly focusing on waste routed through the Cannock Transfer Station. Our goal was to reduce carbon emissions, mileage, and costs while optimising capacity at the station for more valuable waste processing.
Key Benefits & Outcomes
- Miles Saved: Over 25,000 miles avoided in 12 months by redirecting eligible loads directly to disposal sites.
- CO₂ Emissions Reduced: Approximately 37 tonnes of carbon saved, equivalent to driving around the Earth’s circumference more than five times.
- Operational Gains: Increased capacity at Cannock Transfer Station, enabling higher-value waste processing.
Continuously Improving Efficiencies
We’re committed to continuous improvement and sustainability. By embracing change, engaging our teams, and optimising operations, we’ve successfully implemented new routing practices that provide wide-ranging benefits.
- Embracing Change: Our teams collaborated to adopt new routing practices, focusing on sustainability and operational efficiency.
- Stakeholder Engagement: We ensured alignment across all sites, working with multiple stakeholders to drive maximum value for the business.
- Optimising Operations: Operating from a single site, we found creative ways to use external facilities, improving efficiencies and reducing environmental impact.
How We Overcame Challenges
- Engagement & Education: We demonstrated the business-wide benefits of optimising routing, even when it temporarily affected local profits.
- Flexible Network Use: By using our nationwide disposal network, we were able to bypass Cannock when appropriate, streamlining operations.
- Collaboration: Cross-team cooperation was vital, ensuring sustainability and efficiency were prioritised across the board.
Transparent Reporting:
We developed a robust methodology to track and report measurable savings, ensuring transparency in our efforts.
Stakeholder Impact
- Environment: Achieved significant carbon savings, supporting our customers’ Scope 3 carbon and wider sustainability goals.
- Operations: By freeing up capacity at Cannock, we enhanced the station’s ability to process higher-value waste, benefiting both our operations and customers.
Lessons Learned
- Collaboration is Key: Engaging stakeholders and building consensus was crucial to the project’s success.
- Data Builds Trust: Clear, measurable results helped build confidence in the new approach.
- Plan for Scalability: The insights from this project lay a strong foundation for future growth and improvements.
Future Plans
- Broader Implementation: We’re looking to identify new opportunities to replicate transport efficiencies with other customers.
- Technology Upgrades: We embrace new technology and are always updating routing and real-time tracking.
- Expanded Partnerships: Growing our network of disposal sites will unlock even greater savings and sustainability benefits.