SunSkips 2.0: New booking system makes skip hire even simpler
September 12, 202410 non-negotiables for moving to a new business premises
September 24, 2024SunSkips 2.0: New booking system makes skip hire even simpler
September 12, 202410 non-negotiables for moving to a new business premises
September 24, 2024
SunEnviro has pledged in support of an ambitious initiative to create the first-ever green shipping corridor between the UK and France.
The £100 donation will sponsor one of the first low-carbon pallets to be transported across the Channel by a tall ship, a significant step in reducing CO2 emissions in cross-Channel trade.
The Green Shipping Corridor project, led by sustainable food supplier SHRUB, aims to reduce the 200k tonnes of CO2 emissions generated annually by traditional ferry-based pallet transport. Instead of trucks on ferries, the project will use a tall ship that sails between Newhaven (UK) and Le Tréport (France), powered largely by wind.
Each crossing can move up to 66 pallets, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional transport methods such as cross channel ferries. The first products coming across the English Channel will be Dieppe-made mustard and apple caramel spread.
The initiative has the backing of the French Minister of the Sea and Biodiversity, which has recognized its environmental benefits.
SunEnviro managing director Mat Stewart expressed his enthusiasm for supporting such a forward-thinking cause.
He said, “As a company committed to sustainability, we recognize the importance of innovative solutions like this green shipping corridor. It’s inspiring to see practical steps being taken to reduce emissions in the logistics industry, and we’re proud to be part of this pioneering initiative.”
SunEnviro’s donation will sponsor one pallet for a year, saving between 11 and 17kg of CO2 for each crossing (up to six a week). The company is among the first corporate donors to support the project, which at the time of writing has already raised 29% of its £6,000 target through crowdfunding.
Graham Precey, CEO of Groupe Développement Normandie, a social enterprise that has played a key role in the campaign, also expressed his excitement about SunEnviro’s involvement in this groundbreaking initiative.
He said, “With the investment from SunEnviro and others, we’re making sustainable shipping a reality, and I believe it’s just the start of what’s possible if more people get involved.”
As the project progresses, it’s expected that more businesses will follow SunEnviro’s lead and support this innovative solution to reducing global CO2 emissions.
Increasing wind speeds due to climate change are shifting more violently, something sailing ships can now leverage for the better. In fact, prevailing south-westerly winds across the side of the boat provide ideal sailing conditions. Of course, sails can’t compete with gas-guzzling ferries in terms of speed, but that’s not necessarily an issue.
“Not all products need to come across as fast as fruit and vegetables,” Graham explained. “Ferries make it across the Channel in about four hours, whereas a sailing ship takes closer to 10. That’s not practical for perishables like fruit and vegetables, but for other products, it’s perfectly fine and saves tons of fuel”
And according to Graham, sustainability and cost-effectiveness are just some of the benefits of a carbon-free shipping industry. The sailing enthusiast hails tall ships as a dramatic sight to behold and believes they deserve to return as principal characters in international trade.
He added, “I mean, honestly, what would you rather see coming over the horizon? A chimney stack pumping out smog or a beautiful boat with billowing white sails?”
SunEnviro is proud to support sustainable initiatives like the green shipping corridor and will continue to champion these kinds of projects.
Visit the Crowdfunder page to join the movement toward more eco-friendly trade.
