InterBulk increases sustainability profile

InterBulk Group is dedicated to providing sustainable logistic solutions throughout all its divisions. 

As well as continually investing in one of the world’s largest intermodal fleets for both liquid and dry bulk materials, InterBulk is a staunch supporter of the Responsible Care programme. 

Only recently, the logistic specialists became one of the first European transport companies to sign up for the Programme, launched by the European Chemical Transport Association. 

ECTA created the European Programme to improve Health, Safety and Environment Quality (HSEQ) throughout the continent. Based on a partnership agreement with European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic), it is the first regional Responsible Care programme in the world.

InterBulk Group CEO Koert Van Wissen commented: “InterBulk group is delighted to be at the forefront of ECTA’s Responsible Care Programme. We recognise the hard work and commitment from working groups on ‘best practice’ topics such as safe driving, loading and unloading of road freight vehicles and equipment. 

“By continuing to embrace the initiatives from ECTA, we become a more valuable partner to our customers.”

As a member of the Responsible Care Programme, InterBulk Group has agreed to: 

• Continuously improve the environmental, health, safety and security knowledge and performance of our technologies, processes and products over their life cycles so as to avoid harm to people and the environment. 

• Use resources efficiently and minimise waste.

• Report openly on performance, achievements and shortcomings. 

• Listen, engage and work with people to understand and address their concerns and expectations.

• Cooperate with governments, international institutions and organisations in the development and implementation of effective regulations and standards, and to meet or go beyond them.

• Provide help and advice to foster the responsible management of chemicals by all those who manage and use them along the product chain. 

Every company who participates must formally appoint a Responsible Care Coordinator and develop its own annual Responsible Care plan. Over and above this, operating units are assessed every three years using Cefics’s Safety and Quality Assessment System.

Through the implementation of the Programme, InterBulk has managed to improve its performance in many significant areas. 

Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for the group revealed InterBulk carried over 3 million tonnes of cargo during 2010 – 66 per cent of which was through other modal moves (rail, barge & sea) and 34% by road.

The company has also implemented a Care Improvement Plan for 2011, to develop their approach to Responsible Care even further.  

Through the Responsible Care Programme and other sustainable initiatives, InterBulk offers clients efficient and affordable logistical solutions which are also kinder to the planet. 

By switching cargoes to more economical and environmentally friendly modes of transport, the logistic specialists can offer substantial savings in both cost and CO2 emissions.