Heidelberg Materials France reduces CO2 emissions from its logistics operations with the support of Lineas, Europe's largest private rail freight operator.
For over eight years, the French subsidiary of Heidelberg Materials, a world leader in building materials, has partnered with Lineas, Europe's largest private rail freight operator, to implement sustainable and efficient freight transport solutions. Lineas France’s new Country Manager, Matthieu Aernouts, recently visited the headquarters of Heidelberg Materials France in Paris to meet with Paul Porcheray, Director of Purchasing and Logistics, and his team to discuss the partnership between the two companies.
A long-standing partnership for more sustainable logistics solutions
For many years, Heidelberg Materials France has been prioritizing sustainable transport solutions to support its decarbonization objectives, using both river and rail transport.
According to Paul Porcheray, Director of Purchasing and Logistics at Heidelberg Materials France: "Rail transport is essential to our operations. We rely on Lineas for reliable, high-quality deliveries."
Tailor-made rail services for reliable logistics
Lineas provides tailor-made rail services that meet the needs of Heidelberg Materials France in supplying its markets, particularly in the Paris Basin. The focus is on punctual deliveries to avoid any disruption in the supply chain, which would be detrimental to construction sites. This is made possible thanks to the quality of daily communication between the operational teams of both Heidelberg Materials France and Lineas.
As a trusted partner, Lineas offers sustainable transport, while also focusing on its own decarbonization strategy. Matthieu Aernouts, Country Manager of Lineas France, explains: "Trains emit 6 times less CO2 e1, 8 times less fine particles and require 6 times less energy than trucks for the same number of tons transported per kilometer. But at Lineas, we go further: by using electric locomotives as much as possible, by integrating biofuels such as HVO and by training our drivers in environmentally-friendly driving practices."
The partnership between Heidelberg Materials France and Lineas is producing significant results. In 2023, the carbon footprint linked to the volume transported by Lineas for Heidelberg Materials France was 90% lower than if these volumes had been transported by road.
Symbolizing a shared commitment to decarbonization
To symbolize this achievement, Lineas presented Heidelberg Materials France with a display case featuring a miniature locomotive. "It's much more than a miniature replica. It serves as a daily reminder that solutions to decarbonize our customers' supply chains already exist. It's important to showcase this, even here in La Défense, where freight trains are not visible", said Anne Grandjean, Director of Communications and Reputation at Lineas.
1 CO2 e: CO2 equivalent .