Mobility & logistics

[GRI 302/103-1, 305/103-1] To ensure that our customers always have fresh products and full shelves, we transport goods from our distribution centres to our stores every day. We undertake most of these transport journeys ourselves. In 2017, the ALDI North Group transported goods with a total volume of almost 31 million euro-pallet spaces between our 73 distribution centres and more than 4,700 stores. These transport journeys result in greenhouse gas emissions. Through a variety of measures, we are working to make our logistics as climate friendly as possible.

[GRI 302/103-2/3, 305/103-2/3] Our goal is to continuously increase the efficiency of our goods logistics, not least to mitigate the higher transport volume associated with our rising turnover. Modern logistics concepts help us pool the flow of goods and choose optimum transport routes, thereby shortening transport routes. The distance between a distribution centre and a store is 88 kilometres on average. Low rolling resistance tyres and roof spoilers, which reduce the drag coefficient of our transport vehicles, help reduce fuel consumption and save greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, we make sure that the ALDI North Group’s trucks only leave our distribution centres with full payloads and train drivers in the Netherlands, for example, on how to drive fuel efficiently.

In Germany, we examined the use of alternative power units in 2017. A changeover programme is currently not planned. With regard to our fleet of company cars, we plan to sign short leasing agreements in future so as to develop a fleet of newer vehicles, thereby ensuring that more vehicles meet the latest fuel consumption and emission standards and operate in more climate-friendly manner.

[GRI 305/103-1/2] In 2017, we continued to expand our procurement logistics for wine and sparkling wine in Germany. To this end, we set up a logistics hub that pools the flow of goods, thereby cutting costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

[GRI 305/103-1/2] At our distribution centres, lighting is responsible for a large proportion of electricity consumption (up to 50 per cent). As a result, our efforts are increasingly focused on LED technology and the use of on-demand lighting using motion sensors. For more information, please refer to the chapter "Climate protection".

The introduction of a logistics inventory control system that was announced in the Sustainability Report 2015 has yet to be completed in Germany. The first step is to introduce a pick-by-voice system at the German distribution centres, which will form the basis for comprehensive expansion in the future. Pick-by-voice allows us to pick orders using voice commands, without paper, leaving employees with both hands free for their work, which makes their jobs easier and leads to efficiency increases. As part of the roll-out, employees have received comprehensive training in working with the new system. In future, the inventory control system will allow us to provide even better analysis of our goods movements. A corresponding pilot project has been launched.

[GRI 302/103-2/3, 305/103-2/3]