The societal and political pressure on companies to reduce their CO₂ emissions and comply with stricter environmental regulations is increasing rapidly. Companies that invest in sustainable logistics now are not only building their resilience for the future but will also lead their sector. “We are taking 16,500 trucks off the road and reducing emissions by 73%.”
The logistics brokers from the provinces of Gelderland and Zeeland saw an opportunity and brought Powder Logistics and Excluton together. They combined their strengths. With the help of the modal-shift subsidy, both parties are now taking clear steps towards cleaner, smarter, and safer transport. This practical example shows what is possible and why now is the time to take action.
Powder Logistics: Driver of Sustainable Innovation
Xander Kleine, owner of Powder Logistics, and Martijn Kleine, logistics manager at Powder Logistics, saw opportunities for modal shift (the transition from one mode of transport to another). Through connections, they came into contact with Zeeland Connect. Shortly thereafter, project manager Remco de Rijke joined the team. There was an immediate click, leading to a valuable network and a joint exploration of ongoing projects. “Remco is a real go-getter,” says Martijn.
He not only helped with advice but also with the subsidy application. Thanks to him, this project has really taken off.
Powder Logistics offers innovative solutions for bulk transport over water, such as closed (no contact with the outside air) transshipment systems and floating silos. Additionally, they provide temporary storage options with their smaller vessels, allowing customers to start water transport without immediately investing in fixed infrastructure. With closed systems, plug-and-play solutions, and mobile storage, Powder Logistics lowers the entry barrier for companies wanting to become sustainable but who do not yet have silos or quays.
Excluton: Leader in Circular and Responsible Concrete
Excluton, producer of sustainable paving products, has positioned itself in recent years as a leader in circular (reusable) and responsible concrete products. Luke de Ruijter, operations manager at Excluton, is closely involved in the companys sustainability policy. He emphasizes that the modal shift is just one of many steps Excluton is taking towards a more sustainable future. “We want to not only produce sustainable products but also to produce and transport sustainably,” he says. “With projects like these, we want to make a real difference in our sector.”
Excluton continuously invests in sustainable innovations and takes various measures to reduce its CO₂ emissions. For instance, they work with recycled materials, energy-efficient production processes, and now also with more sustainable transport.
Excluton already transported raw materials by ship, but powdered materials such as cement and filler were still transported by truck. Thanks to the specialized transport by carriers like Powder Logistics, these materials can now also be brought in via inland shipping. This makes logistics more efficient and environmentally friendly.
The ambition is clear: transport 500,000 tons of powdered materials by water in 3 years. This is expected to save 16,500 truck trips and reduce emissions by 73%. At the same time, traffic congestion in and around Druten is decreasing, where heavy trucks used to drive daily.
To make this logistical shift possible, Excluton will invest in buffer silos and transport pipelines on its own premises in the coming years. The modal shift subsidy is crucial to accelerate these plans.
Stronger Together: Province and Transport Sector Also Join In
This modal shift by Excluton is not only a success due to innovation and entrepreneurship but also through collaboration between the involved provinces. Manuel Jumelet from the province of Gelderland played an important role at an early stage. Representing Zeeland, Remco de Rijke from Powder Logistics brought the parties together.
Notably, the involvement of transport company Baan is also striking. As a road carrier, the company is working on a temporary solution for logistics on the premises of Excluton, where part of the volume is transported by water. This is all pending investments in buffer silos and transport pipelines. This collaboration shows that the modal shift is not just about the choice between road or water but also, and especially, about smartly combining modalities.
The Power of Zeeland Connect
Both Martijn and Luke emphasize the role of Zeeland Connect in connecting parties and assisting with the subsidy application. Where one application failed due to an empty subsidy pot, this one succeeded thanks to the right support.
The experience shows how important it is for entrepreneurs to be supported by people who know the field and can act quickly.
What Can You Do?
“Every step counts in making your company more sustainable,” says Luke. “Also look at your logistical impact – and what you can improve.”
The story of Excluton and Powder Logistics shows that sustainability is possible – provided you seek collaboration and make smart use of the resources available.
“And just reach out to someone,” advises Martijn. “Thats how it started for us too.”