Reducing residual waste and refurbishing 5,300 trailers by 2025

At TIP Group, we are tackling the critical challenge of reducing our environmental impact by embracing Circular Economy principles, as highlighted in our 2022 Sustainability Report. In this article, we will explore how we plan to achieve this goal by enhancing waste management practices and refurbishing 5,300 trailers by 2025

Waste management

We have been improving our waste management processes based on the principle of reduce, recycle, reuse. Our goal is to reduce residual waste – i.e. the waste left over after recycling and reuse – substantially. With the ultimate goal of reducing the amount of waste going to landfill or incineration to zero. In 2023, we generated 4,347.90 tonnes of waste, of which 50.13% was recycled.

Our efforts have been aimed primarily at our maintenance & repair activities - which generates the most waste - as well as centralizing most of our waste management. The latter will help reduce waste disposal costs as well as improve our data collection and reduce any risk of contravening environmental or pollution laws. We have been able to create a detailed breakdown of a little more than half of the total waste generated across our locations and our goals is to increase this share by improving cooperation with waste management providers.

In 2023, we expanded the cooperation with organizations that are specialized in upcycling waste coming from our workshop operation. Especially old trailer curtains offer huge potential for turning them into products like bags and reset their life cycle.

Trailer refurbishment

Trailer refurbishment will extend the life of a trailer, depending on the scope of the refurbishment, by four years on average. A significant achievement, this process not only represents a smart use of capital by maximizing the value and utility of existing assets, but also plays a crucial role in sustainability efforts. By prolonging the lifespan of trailers, companies can defer the environmental impact associated with manufacturing new units. This practice not only reduces the demand for raw materials and energy but also significantly lowers CO2 emissions, aligning with global efforts to minimize the carbon footprint of the transport industry. Consequently, trailer refurbishment emerges as both a financially prudent and environmentally responsible strategy, helping companies meet both economic and ecological goals.

An important partner who will help us achieve our goal is leading global transport and logistics company DSV. TIP Group is refurbishing 1,100 of their trailers as part of our partnership, which will save an estimated 18,000 tonnes of CO2. This amount is equivalent to just over 75% of TIP Group's 2022 scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions, which signifies the importance of such projects. Søren Schmidt, CEO of DSV Road had the following to say about this partnership: “DSV has high ambitions for operating more sustainably. Realising those ambitions often involves high-level innovation and new technologies. But sometimes, we can achieve great value with solutions that are more straightforward. Refurbishing rather than replacing our trailers will enable us to save carbon while delivering services of a continued high quality to our customers.”

In 2024, we are also supporting P&O Ferrymasters sustainability roadmap, by refurbishing 304 trailers leased from TIP. This will not only extend their lifespan by at least 3 years but also preventing a massive 1,732.8 tonnes of CO2 emissions. “By refurbishing 304 trailers in collaboration with TIP Group, P&O Ferrymasters is significantly extending their lifespan and reducing our environmental footprint. This initiative aligns perfectly with our sustainability strategy, allowing us to reuse existing assets rather than discarding them, ultimately enhancing sustainability. We are proud to partner with TIP Group in this endeavour, showcasing our commitment to more sustainable logistics solutions.” explains Lieven Severijns, Chief Operations Officer Landside Products, P&O Ferrymasters.

By your side to achieve your environmental goals

Refurbishment of trailers comes with several significant advantages for transport companies. At TIP Group, our extensive experience and dedicated team of refurbishment experts ensure we address each company’s unique needs. We provide customized solutions to meet your operational and sustainability goals. If you're aiming to extend your fleet's lifespan, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact, we’re here to help. Connect with us to discover how our tailored trailer refurbishment services can enhance your business. We are happy to inform you of your options without any obligation.