Covestro, a global player in polymer production, has partnered with logistics expert DB Cargo BTT to enhance the transport of chemicals to and within Poland.
The collaboration focuses on the sustainable and efficient transportation of methylene diphenyl isocyanate (MDI), a key raw material in polyurethane products like thermal insulation for buildings and refrigerators.
Aiming for Climate Neutrality by 2050
Hanno Bruemmer, Head of Supply Chain and Logistics EMLA at Covestro, emphasized the importance of collaboration across the value chain to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
Bruemmer stated, “Reliable, efficient, and sustainable logistics for our increasingly eco-friendly products are essential to this effort”.
Covestro is working with customers and transport partners to optimize the supply chain through improved load capacity, strategic transport routes, and the adoption of green energy sources like bio-fuels and electricity.
Sustainable Transport Solution in Action
DB Cargo BTT provides an end-to-end transport solution that integrates sustainability at every step:
- First Leg: Bio-fuel (HVO 100)-driven trucks transport chemical tank containers from Covestro’s production sites in Germany to nearby railway terminals.
- Rail Transport: The containers are then shipped via rail to a distribution center in Poland, significantly reducing road traffic and related emissions.
- Final Delivery: Bio-fuel-driven trucks handle the last-mile delivery to customers across Poland, ensuring timely and eco-friendly distribution.
The combined approach reduces CO2 emissions by at least 70% compared to traditional road transport.
DB Cargo BTT’s Commitment to Sustainable Supply Chains
Torsten Lüders, Managing Director of DB Cargo BTT GmbH stated, “For Covestro, we’ve successfully combined our rail expertise with bio-fuel-driven trucks for the first and last mile. This collaboration showcases how we enable more sustainable supply chains and support the chemical industry’s transformation”.
Benefits for Covestro Customers
The partnership offers significant advantages for Covestro’s customers. These include the Polish Selena Group, a global manufacturer of construction chemicals and materials.
The delivery of MDI with a reduced carbon footprint supports Selena Group’s efforts to lower Scope 3 emissions. It also enhances their commitment to sustainability.
Bernd Hennig, Head of Trading Cluster MDI at Covestro, said, “Together with Selena Group, we are advancing sustainable solutions across the value chain. We are offering both eco-friendly materials and sustainable transportation options.”
Michal Specjalski, a Selena Group executive, said, “We are delighted to have Covestro and DB Cargo BTT as partners. They share our vision of reducing emissions and achieving climate neutrality in Europe.”
Expanding Circular Economy Efforts
Covestro and Selena Group are already collaborating to promote a circular economy. They are developing ISCC Plus-certified polyurethane foams for improved building insulation, which use plant-based raw materials through mass balancing.
These innovative materials have a lower carbon footprint compared to fossil-derived alternatives. Now, with the sustainable transport solution in place, Selena Group receives these products with an even smaller environmental impact.
Scaling for the Future
The Covestro-DB Cargo BTT partnership is designed to scale flexibly to meet growing business needs.
As per the press release, the collaboration combines expertise and commitment. It sets a strong example for creating greener supply chains and advancing climate-neutral goals across industries.
