Monday November 23, 2009

Kraft Improvements Save Miles, Emissions

Northfield, IL — Kraft Foods, Inc.’s improved distribution network has shaved 50 million miles off its global transportation since 2005, reducing energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, according to the company.

By using waterways, Kraft has replaced 10,125 truck shipments, eliminated 1.25 million driving miles and 2,300 tons of carbon emissions. The company has also switched to railcars where possible to take trucks off the road.

Other improvements such as switching to hybrid vehicles, centralizing distribution centers, reducing truck idling and implementing transportation management software have boosted efficiency, according to the company.

“All of our sustainability projects need to make business sense in the long run. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be sustainable,” says Richard Buino, spokesperson for Kraft.

Additionally, he says: “With any project, there’s going to be an upfront investment, but if it’s done right, these projects are going to be good for our business, for people and the environment.”

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded Kraft its Smartway Excellence Award in October 2009, recognizing its contribution to protecting the environment with improved shipping practices, according to the EPA.