Better pallet flow reduces carbon footprint at Overwaitea

A new initiative to manage the flow of pallets through the supply chain is helping Overwaitea Food Group (OFG) to reduce fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions.

In collaboration with EV Logistics and CHEP, OFG has launched an on-site Total Pallet Management (TPM) solution to sort, inspect and repair pallets at Overwaitea’s distribution facility in Langley, B.C.

CHEP, a provider of managed pallet pooling, has been a preferred shipping platform for Overwaitea for over 20 years. EV Logistics, which operates two distribution centres in Langley that provide grocery distribution for Overwaitea, is applying its own experience and expertise to help streamline pallet management processes at both companies.

“The CHEP TPM is a service that allows for the total management of all pallet activity within a customer’s facility,” explained Jason Adlam, vice-president, sales & customer service, CHEP Canada. “In this particular instance, the operation is being staffed by employees of EV Logistics rather than CHEP personnel.”

Managed by EV Logistics, pallets flow smoothly through the supply chain, improving transport efficiencies and reducing environmental impact. “Our TPM service has allowed us to collectively reduce the number of transportation trips between our customer and our service centres resulting in the reduction of CO2 emissions,” added Adlam, noting that the new system is expected to eliminate the use of more than 5,500 gallons of diesel fuel and nearly 60 tons of C02 emissions annually.

Wayne Currie, general manager at OFG, said in a statement that the joint collaboration is already resulting in increased efficiency across the supply chain and dramatically lowering the chain’s carbon footprint. “Our management is very pleased with the initial outcome and look to expand our productivity improvement efforts with CHEP and EV in the future.”

The TPM project is just one way OFG is improving energy efficiencies. Based in B.C., the 127-store grocery chain aspires to use 100% renewable energy, to create and run more energy efficient stores, to eliminate waste and to recycle 100% of cardboard, organics and plastic that come into the stores. OFG has repeatedly been recognized by BC Hydro for energy efficiencies, most recently receiving the Power Smart Leader Award.