Eco-friendly? Of course!
Ever since its founding, DTL has been a focused, environmentally aware organisation. And this is now confirmed in writing: DTL is certified in accordance with ISO norm 14001 (environmental management). DTL’s efforts to gain certification are based on its long and growing commitment and a whole series of previous initiatives regarding environmental issues.
Foil material recycling
As far back as 1996, DTL began to cooperate with the University of Applied Sciences in Osnabrück (Germany) and the German Federal Foundation for the Environment (DBU) on a pilot project concerning the recycling of foil materials used for transport purposes. The procedure allows all mixed foil materials used for textile shipping purposes to be recycled directly into new material. The amounts being processed have become so great that foil recycling is now handled by an independent partner organisation. The result: the environment is relieved of having to deal with some 48,000 cubic metres of foil material annually.
Hanger recycling
DTL has been offering its customers a clothes hanger recycling service for many years. When new goods are delivered, the used clothes hangers are returned for reuse. The initiative involves approximately 3 to 3.5 million clothes hangers per year, leading to raw material savings of about 120 to 140 metric tons annually. Increases are planned in this area for implementation in the future. The concept is also being developed further in order to include the new CCG clothes hanger.
Digital delivery scanning
Our system of digital delivery scanning was successfully introduced in the course of 2005.
This digital process makes paper-based delivery note and filing systems (along with their corresponding storage space, printing equipment and ink) all obsolete. And more importantly, the customer can track each order’s paperwork on the web. This means that there will soon be no need to file or fax copies of despatch notes. Digital delivery scanning thus makes it possible to combine protection of the environment with a stronger focus on the customer, along with cost savings.
Solar energy
All freight forwarders and transport companies require large amounts of natural resources (diesel, oil, electricity, gas and water) in order to deliver their services. We are, therefore, particularly obliged to conserve natural resources and limit emissions by applying appropriate standards throughout the company. A solar energy plant is now running at our depot in Osnabrück (Germany).
Use of rainwater
At our depot in Osnabrück, the sanitary systems operate with rainwater.
Central control
Ever since July 1998, all our long-distance traffic has been operated from a central control point. This helps considerably to relieve strain on the environment as it avoids –wherever possible – unpaired own return loads from external customers. Vehicle movements and empty runs/dead mileage are thereby reduced.
Rail transport
DTL uses rail transport for long-distance shipping between sites, insofar as it is economically viable and fulfils quality requirements regarding delivery deadlines. Our centralised system of long-distance traffic and rail-compatible container loading equipment ensure that rail transport is an integral part of DTL’s operations for the benefit of the environment.
New freight-forwarding software
Our totally new freight-forwarding software has been developed and configured in-house. It has considerably improved and simplified our internal operating procedures. Data capture, billing and scanning procedures all operate in a manner befitting a modern, software-based system. A proactive system of this type is able to notify those in charge regarding short deliveries, damaged shipments, etc., while permitting the swift application of appropriate countermeasures. The complete software system was implemented throughout the company in the course of 2001.
This system likewise takes environmental considerations into account. The exchange of messages between those in charge is by electronic data transfer, rather than by fax, which considerably increases the amount of information transmitted while saving on paper, printer usage and toner, etc.