Supply chain reaction
UKWA CEO Peter Ward calls for a fairer deal for the industry that kept shelves stocked and shopping delivered to the doorstep through the UK lockdown and will be key to the recovery of the economy in 2021.
The economics of eComm
How has the pandemic affected the economics of e-commerce? Dave Berridge, secretary of the Automated Material Handling Systems Association (AMHSA), looks at the evolving retail landscape and the role of warehouse automation.
Calm within the storm
The agility and responsiveness of logistics providers during the pandemic has highlighted the importance of the supply chain to our economy. Rodney Steel, chief executive of the BCMPA, the Association for Contract Manufacturing, Packing, Fulfilment and Logistics, finds out from members how their experiences in dealing with the challenges of 2020 have made them even better prepared for those of the future.
Safety the watchword
For more than 75 years the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) has promoted the principle of ever improving safety standards across the whole of the material handling industry. 2020 has seen this principle challenged like never before, but in the true spirit of the association, BITA rose to the task and by its swift and decisive action, ensured the industry – and everyone working within it – could continue to operate safely.
Crisis shines a light
The challenges faced in 2020 have shone a spotlight on the strength, resilience and importance of the cold chain, says Shane Brennan, Chief Executive of Cold Chain Federation. Cold storage and distribution businesses continue to pull out all the stops to make sure that fresh and frozen food has been in place to refill supermarket shelves, to help meet the surge in demand for home deliveries, and to service hospitals and other key workplaces at all times.
Pushed to breaking point
CFTS reveals why a Thorough Examination is key to ensuring every single part of your forklift is in safe working condition, and how your site could do more damage than meets the eye.
A better future for all
2020 will forever be remembered as the year that everything changed. Covid-19 altered the way we worked and the way our professions were viewed, pushing everything we do and the individuals and businesses The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) represents into the public limelight, says Chief Executive Kevin Richardson.
Driving site safety
Tim Waples, Chief Executive of the Fork Lift Truck Association, reveals a brand-new intensive safety campaign specifically designed to support those who work with materials handling equipment.
Minimise virus risk
Safe work at height is underpinned by risk assessment, proper planning and management of operations. A few extra steps can mitigate risk, including those posed by Covid-19. There are also tools in the training armoury to help operators, supervisors and managers learn remotely – and even in virtual reality.
An uplifting future
Ross Moloney, CEO of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA), describes how the world’s leading lifting association tackled the adversity posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and is shaping the way it supports its members going forward.
Towards Net-zero
The UK has affirmed its commitment to becoming a carbon-neutral economy in law; the Climate Change Act 2008 now includes the target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by 2050. While the UK’s total carbon dioxide emissions are falling steadily, having decreased by 39% since 1990, the transport sector still has a long way to go before it reaches its goal of complete decarbonisation, says Zoe McLernon, Policy Manager of Multimodal at Logistics UK.
Beyond box-ticking
Accreditation for Basic forklift operator training is nothing new. However, in the current logistics landscape, where safety is perhaps more prominent than ever before, many organisations are now showing an interest in the clear benefits Accreditation offers through standardising the quality of forklift operator training, and in turn safe operation, says Laura Nelson, Managing Director for RTITB.
Don’t ditch plastic recycling
The focus on eliminating single-use plastics and promoting closed-loop packaging has fallen off the agenda in the devastating wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Jim Hardisty, MD of Goplasticpallets.com – The Responsible Plastic Pallet Company explains why we should still be optimistic about the future of plastics recycling.
Green buildings
Supply chain disruption has created great warehouse demand in the UK, and quick-build temporary structures provide a flexible, low carbon footprint alternative to traditional buildings.
Lifelong commitment
The growth in demand for lithium-ion powered warehouse lift trucks is due, in part, to the fact that today’s sophisticated materials handling equipment users calculate the cost of operating a truck over the course of its entire working life, says John Maguire, managing director of Narrow Aisle.
Transform the workforce
What skills are required to ensure that a modern-day workforce is competently conscious of how its actions affect environmental impact?
Research shows growing cold storage sector in UK
According to a new report by Savills, undertaken in collaboration with the Cold Chain Federation, cold storage in the UK accounts for circa 12% of total warehouse space with a further 16.7 million sq ft (1.551 million sq m) currently under construction to cater for growing occupier demand.
Maximise safety when turning loads
DEMAG HAS INTRODUCED a new load turning function for its universal crane product range.
Loadhog estimates 108m metres of stretchwrap eliminated through use of Pallet Lid
Loadhog, the multi Queen’s Award winning designer and manufacturer of innovative returnable packaging solutions, has experienced increasing interest in its line of eco-friendly pallet securing products.
Survey reveals ‘more can be done’ by materials handling industry to quash carbon footprint
As companies seek to reduce their environmental impact along the whole supply chain, independent research conducted on behalf of Calor has revealed that an overwhelming 95% of those working in the materials handling industry feel that much more can be done to lower their carbon emissions.
