Creating a more sustainable logistics industry is one of the greatest challenges that our sector has ever had to face.
Baxter Freight is committed to making a lasting change that goes deeper than planting the odd tree. Our team are on a journey to learn, network and study to find the best way to be the change.
ReverseMi is a global logistics network of freight forwarders and logistics companies who specialise in reverse Logistics. Last month ReverseMi held a conference in Barcelona, bringing experts and thought leaders together to learn more about how we can change the industry for good.
Champions of Change
Our very own Sustainable Freight Network leaders, Richard Jeggo, Sales Director, and Tom Isler, Key Accounts Manager, represented Baxter Freight at the event.
We ask them all the questions you may want to know about ReverseMi and how the logistics industry is tackling the climate crisis.
Tell us a bit more about why you visited the event?
R: We are at the very beginning of our sustainability journey; this was a brilliant opportunity to spend time listening to, and connecting with, a number of individuals leading the conversation on Sustainable Logistics, Circular economies and Carbon Management and absorb as much knowledge as we possibly could.
Who else went and what was important to them?
T: There were representatives from over 12 countries, 5 continents. If not all primarily in attendance for sustainability, each member left the conference with a new mindset and approach to the subject. Highlighted guest being Abir Leheta, CEO of Egyptrans 2023 Forbes top 100 businesswoman and speaker at COP 27.
What were the key topics of discussion?
R: Sustainability from a general perspective, but also specific to our space. Carbon reporting, management and offsetting / crediting. Sustainability challenges in the developing world.
T: Large focus on Circular Economies, Carbon Reporting and how are we are to reach Carbon Neutrality worldwide, with the developed and developing worlds working in tandem
What really resonated with you and why?
T: The calls to action from the thought leaders and the initial silent industry response. There is great opportunity to set a high example of sustainable practice and how a freight forwarder can contribute to Environmentalism on a global scale.
R: For me personally, the presentation from Joyce Halloun on taking a Leadership position around Sustainability generally and in Logistics was a particular highlight. Camilla Butta’s presentation around how their business is positioning itself on this topic and the Sustainable Development Goals in general, in what is still a typically old-fashioned industry, was interesting and echoed our values and aspirations in a lot of ways.
Is there anything you can action from this event that will help Baxter Freight on the journey to sustainability?
T: We took a great deal of use from South Pole; a company specialising in carbon crediting. This is an appealing proposition to offset the carbon produced by Customers’ movements.
R: A quote from Joyce’s presentation is something that has stuck with me: ‘Prepare your organization for a leadership role in the transition towards a sustainable future’
What do you think the current outlook is for the logistics industry becoming more sustainable? Are we doing enough?
R: So many companies are at a loss at how to tackle this issue and are intimidated by the scale of the challenge. There’s also real fear around the commercial risk this may present among customer bases. For me, we need to lead, and the industry needs to embrace the concept of small incremental changes day by day to address the scale of the task and gather momentum. Change has to come – there is no alternative.
T: The logistics industry needs to be setting an example for all other sectors in how seemingly irreplicable carbon-heavy activities can be reimagined in a sustainable way. Until the whole industry is engaged in this conversation, in an honest and proactive manner, we will not be doing enough.
That being said, Reversemi provides evidence that there are whistle-blowers of a green evolution, ones who are extremely committed to the cause. We see a shift to rail and short sea freight and the start of accurate carbon reporting; these are encouraging first steps.
Overall, I am hopeful the next decade will see sustainability snowball and cover the necessary ground for our industry to become as conscious of our environmental impact as it is of our profit.
For more information on ReverseMi or if you want to learn more about our progress, our Sustainable Freight Network, or would like to know more please get in touch! We are very interested in working with other like minded hauliers and customers who are on the mission to make the change.
