TNT rewarded for waste-reduction initiatives

TNT Express Services has become the first business in the UK transport and logistics industry to receive the Carbon Trust Waste Standard for significantly increasing the amount of waste it sends for recycling rather than to landfill.


Across both of its divisions – TNT Express and TNT Business Solutions UK & Ireland – the company has reduced the amount of waste it sends to landfill by more than 3,200 tonnes between 2011 and 2013, recycling an additional 2,000 tonnes over the same period.

TNT has also been awarded the Carbon Trust Standard for the third year in a row; for slashing CO2 emissions by 4.9% during 2012 and 2013.

“The award of both certifications by the Carbon Trust recognises our commitment to reducing waste and carbon emissions year on year,” said TNT Express Services UK & Ireland managing director Alistair Cochrane.

“It is something that we are proud to tell our customers, reflecting TNT’s company-wide determination to reduce our environmental impact.”

The Carbon Trust Waste Standard was achieved thanks to a number of new measures implemented throughout the business, including specifically labelled recycling bins for aluminium, cardboard, paper and some plastics; and a renewed contract for disposal of rubbish with Biffa recycling.

Last year, the firm developed a closed-loop recycling scheme for its plastic delivery bags, with all profits donated to charity. 

Prime example

Meanwhile, the Carbon Trust Standard certification was achieved by reducing the carbon emissions – both on the road and around its 70 depots, contact centres and administrative locations – saving more than 8,000 tonnes of CO2 a year.

The Carbon Trust’s associate director Michael Gifford said: “TNT Express is to be congratulated for becoming the first transport and logistics company to achieve the Carbon Trust Waste Standard.

“Through achieving independent certification that the company is dealing with its waste outputs more effectively year-on-year, the company is setting an example to both its customers and the logistics sector more broadly.

“This fits with the company’s existing commitment to continue reducing its carbon emissions, as demonstrated by successful recertification to the Carbon Trust Standard.”

TNT, which operates a fleet of more than 3,500 vehicles, has introduced a number of energy-saving initiatives over the past few years, including the use of all-electric vehicles which will save an estimated 316kg of carbon for every 1,000 litres of fuel.

Luke Nicholls

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