48 Changing environmental needsShortening paths, increasing utilization.Transportation is essential for the business activities ofthe HARTMANN GROUP. To effectively supply ourcustomers and, at the same time, minimize the associatedCO 2 emissions, we continuously improve our logistics.Wherever possible, we choose the most environmentallyfriendly mode of transport, such as rail or ship, andoptimize utilization of transport capacity together withour logistics partners. By establishing production sitesclose to important markets, we also shorten our distributionchannels.To make our logistics processes as efficient, resource- and climate-friendly aspossible, we work with selected strategic service providers. Together withthem, we analyze the processes, correct deficiencies, and optimize thetransportation network of the HARTMANN GROUP. In addition, we continuouslyimprove our logistics network for supplying our distribution warehouses.In Europe, more than 85 percent of these shipments are thereforemade directly from point of origin to destination. Generally, we have anapproximately 80 percent capacity gross utilization rate for trucks, whichcan only be achieved by the efficient loading of pallets. With additionaloptimization steps, we will continue to gradually improve this value duringthe coming years.Green light for environmentally friendly means of transportBy giving priority to sea and river vessels for shipments as well as usingcombined ways of transportation, we save significant amounts of CO 2 . In allareas where we can use the infrastructure and services of railway companies,we focus on rail transportation. In general, we seek to set up railway sidingswhen we add new production and distribution facilities to make our logisticseven more sustainable.Carbon dioxide accounting for logisticsWe pursue the goal of precisely identifying and regularly disclosing the CO 2emissions of our logistics processes. Consolidated collection of the data has,however, not been possible so far. Now we have started to implement areporting system in our distribution centers under the HSE Management(see page 52) and to include environmental performance in the identificationand selection process for our distribution partners.Investment for environmental protection and reliable deliveryMost advanced computer-aided warehouse management, 44,500 palletplaces on 48,000 square meters of space as well as 124 employees forprocessing up to 480,000 freight orders a year: these are the figures withwhich the new HARTMANN Logistics Center in Belleville, France, started onJune 22, 2010.At the opening ceremony, Michel Kuehn, Managing Director of HARTMANNFrance and Member of the Management Board of PAUL HARTMANN <strong>AG</strong>,emphasized the contribution of the new warehouse to more sustainability inhis speech to the attending politicians, media representatives, and managersof the Group: “Digital control of all warehouse and distribution processesallows us to not only meet our obligations for timely and accurate deliveryof our products to customers even more effectively. We have also devisedvarious solutions to fulfill our responsibility to future generations evenbetter.” Jean-Marc Rohlmann, Head of Logistics of HARTMANN France, said,stressing the reduction of the environmental impact of traffic: “By usingdouble-decker trucks, we can reduce departing transports by 20 percent.Since the establishment of a rail siding early in 2011, we have been able toshift another 20 percent of freight traffic from road to rail.”
HARTMANN GROUP 49Above Whenever possible, we give priorityto rail over road, or we combine modes oftransportation. Thus, our new logistics centerin Belleville, France, also has its own railsiding. An additional contribution toenvironmental protection is made byrefraining from using outer cardboardpackaging for palletized incontinenceproducts. This facilitates handling and reduceswaste.Left New warehouse and picking technologies,IT capabilities, and loading/unloadingequipment in the logistics center in Belleville,France, ensure optimal transport managementin terms of sustainability.
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