Strategic initiatives to start up green transition
Logitrans focuses on green transition through strategic partnership and transition project
For Logitrans, the major changes in the world market due to COVID-19 have resulted in new business initiatives and a sharpened focus on a more digital and sustainable future.
The owner-managed company has for many decades been known in the global market for ergonomic material handling solutions and high quality.
In the past year, the company has transformed into a digital company, as a consequence of the closed borders. This is a great part of the reason why the company has been doing quite well through the Corona crisis. Logitrans exports 95% of the production and is thus dependent on an accessible global market - which has only been possible on digital platforms the past year.
Although it has been a tough period, CEO and co-owner Gitte Kirkegaard is not worried. She sees opportunities in times of crisis and is now heading for a position as a sustainable production company through green transition - with support from the local surroundings.
”We are all experiencing changes in our surrounding environment, and we all have a responsibility to ensure a healthy planet for the next generations. At Logitrans, we have always been aware of the environment, and it is therefore natural for us to put even more focus on this area.”
Gitte Kirkegaard, CEO at Logitrans
The new focus has already led to a specific initiative, as Logitrans has set up a charging station for electric cars, which also is available for the local community to use.
A green profile that puts action behind the words
Three major strategic initiatives will during 2021 kickstart the green transition at Logitrans. Besides from starting of the year by engaging a dedicated QHSE employee per 1st of January 2021, the company has entered a strategic Climate Partnership with Esbjerg Municipality and has become part of the Climate Project of the Confederation of Danish Industry (Dansk Industri). In addition, Logitrans has been approved to become part of the Green Circular Transition Project, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund. It is a nationwide project for small and medium-sized companies wanting to get started or move forward with the green circular transition.
Esbjerg Municipality has decided that the municipality shall be CO2-neutral by the year 2030, and the Climate Partnership aims to share the latest knowledge concerning sustainable business development and reduction of CO2 with various private companies in the municipality, the energy company, DIN Forsyning, and Esbjerg Harbour.
”Most production companies in Esbjerg Municipality focus on sustainable development. Therefore, it makes sense to support the partnership, so that we use the same tools for e.g., CO2 calculation. In this way, the companies can help each other, and use the tools provided by the municipality. If Esbjerg Municipality is to achieve the goal of being CO2-neutral by 2030, the companies will also have to support it, and off course we will do so.”
Gitte Kirkegaard, CEO at Logitrans
The Climate Project, provided by the Confederation of Danish Industry (Dansk Industri), is a nationwide project that will boost the green transition among small and medium-sized companies in Denmark. As a member of the project, the companies receive advice on how to strengthen growth and competitiveness via a specific climate strategy, CO2 calculation and branding.
“We have joined this project to get external sparring on how to work with sustainability. We represent the entire value chain, and the work with sustainability in a long value chain requires knowledge. We can achieve this through the Climate Project.”
The first initiative with an electric car charging station shows that there is action behind the words at Logitrans.
"Even though it is a small step in the overall context, we find it important to mark our efforts, so that it is clear to everyone - internally and externally - that words, ambition and actions are connected. In this way, the green profile will become an integral part of our corporate culture, and we work towards the same goals. This is necessary if we really want to make a difference. And we will!”, Gitte Kirkegaard says.