Proximus and Sagemcom test cargo sailboat in supply chain

Proximus and long-time partner Sagemcom have tested the use of cargo sail vessels in an effort to reduce the environmental impact of their logistics chain. The first delivery, consisting of Proximus' Wi-Fi boosters, was carried out by wind-powered cargo transport specialist TOWT (Trans-Oceanic Wind Transport) and arrived on Tuesday in the port of Le Havre, France. This marks the first time Proximus has used sailboat transport in its logistics operations.

While still in its early stages, this initiative aligns with Proximus' broader strategy to reduce its carbon footprint across all stages of its supply chain, from inbound transport and warehousing to outbound distribution. Following this first delivery, Sagemcom & TOWT will study a potential use of sailboat cargo transport via the existing supply route between Tunis & Marseille.

Reducing emissions in inbound transport

Driven by the ambition to achieve net zero emissions across the entire value chain by 2040, Proximus explores all actions that can help to reduce its carbon footprint, including those it can take for inbound transport of goods. This project with Sagemcom is an example of how the company is exploring more sustainable options in its logistics chain. Compared to traditional shipping methods, using cargo sailboats allows to reduce the environmental impact of these operations by up to 90%.

In addition to exploring wind-powered transport, Proximus is also implementing other initiatives such as the use of High Cube containers, which maximize shipment volumes and reduce transportation frequency. Rail transport is also being prioritized over road transport when feasible, contributing to further reductions in the carbon footprint of inbound shipments.

Sustainable initiatives in warehousing and outbound transport

While striving for greener deliveries from suppliers, Proximus is also focused on reducing its carbon footprint in other logistic operations.

At its warehouse in Courcelles, several initiatives have led to a 55% reduction in CO₂ emissions per order between 2015 and 2021. This achievement earned Courcelles three stars under the Lean&Green certification program, making Proximus the first Belgian company and among the top 25 in Europe to receive this recognition. In Flawinne, the company's second warehouse for infrastructure material, the purchase of 4 electric forklifts fits within a broader plan to make the shift to a green fleet. For internal logistics, Proximus aims to complete this electrification of the fleet by 2027.

In the final stage of its logistics chain, which covers the distribution of products to shops and customers, Proximus has introduced sustainable solutions such as cargo bike deliveries for B2B customers in several major Belgian cities. Additionally, logistics partner H.Essers has implemented the use of HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) fuel in its fleet, reducing carbon emissions for line hauls of Proximus by 85%. Last-mile logistics providers such as bpost and DPD also support Proximus' goals. For example, bpost has committed to delivering 100% emission-free deliveries in Antwerp and near-emission-free deliveries in Brussels through ecozones and electric vehicles.