Intelligent Tech Channels Issue 81 | Page 47

INTELLIGENT
GREEN TECHNOLOGY

RailDirect and Unilever announce strategic alliance to decarbonise supply chain

R ailDirect , a joint venture between Etihad Rail , the developer and operator of the UAE ’ s national railway network , and DHL Global Forwarding , and provider of rail logistics solutions , announced the signing of a strategic partnership with consumer goods giant Unilever at Global Rail 2024 . This agreement marks a significant step towards decarbonising the supply chain .

The agreement signed with Unilever , focuses on reducing the carbon footprint of Unilever ’ s logistics operations in the UAE . The partnership will see Unilever utilise RailDirect ’ s rail freight services to transport goods , contributing to Unilever ’ s ambitious goal of halving its greenhouse gas emissions impact of its products , per consumer use by 2030 , and achieving net zero across its value chain by 2039 .
Additionally , it will offer numerous other benefits of rail transport , including lower business costs and more efficient , high-quality freight movement , boosting the company ’ s trade activity and further increasing its competitive edge .
“ We are proud to partner with Unilever in this landmark initiative to decarbonise the supply chain ,” said Tariq Alfalahi , CEO of RailDirect . “ By integrating our advanced rail freight services , we are poised to substantially reduce the carbon footprint of Unilever ’ s logistics operations in the UAE . This strategic alliance not only underscores our commitment to sustainable innovation but also aligns with Unilever ’ s visionary goals for emissions reduction . Together , we are setting a new standard for a sustainable future .”
This partnership signifies a major advancement in sustainable logistics , highlighting the growing importance of environmentally responsible practices in global transportation .
“ Unilever is proud to collaborate with RailDirect in support of the UAE ’ s strategy of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 ,” said Ahmed Kadous , Head of Supply Chain Personal Care MET and Head of Customer Operations Arabia at Unilever .
“ This partnership represents a pivotal step towards our goal of achieving carbon neutrality across our operations by 2030 . Our comprehensive decarbonisation strategy includes enhancing the efficiency of our road transport , transitioning to renewable energy for our warehouse operations , and piloting electric vehicles and alternative fuels . A crucial component of this strategy is diversifying our transportation modes .
“ By partnering with RailDirect , we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and advance our sustainability objectives . We are honoured to lead the way in the UAE with this innovative approach to intermodal transportation , underscoring our commitment to a sustainable future .”
RailDirect ’ s innovative approach to sustainable logistics was on full display at the flagship edition of Global Rail 2024 , hosted by Etihad Rail under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan , UAE Vice President , Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court and supported by His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan , Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for the Development and Fallen Heroes Families Affairs , and Chairman of Etihad Rail . •
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