BMW Group commits to sustainable transport logistics

German auto major, the BMW Group claims it is the first automobile manufacturer globally to join the Ship Recycling Transparency Initiative (SRTI).

The independent platform, launched in March 2018 by the Sustainable Shipping Initiative, aims to improve measures, transparency and awareness relating to the issue of ship recycling. BMW Group says this move is part of its commitment to more sustainable organisation of transport logistics.

The group says it takes a holistic approach toward implementing sustainability goals that encompasses its entire value chain. As a global organisation, the company relies on a multifaceted logistics network – with tasks that range from transporting vehicle parts to plants (inbound logistics) to distributing finished vehicles to customers (outbound logistics). For this the company states that sea logistics plays an important part, and therefore makes it a priority to organise BMW Group's sea logistics in a responsible manner – especially with respect to recycling practices for ships.

Commenting on the initiative, Anita Pieper, responsible for Vehicle Distribution at the BMW Group said: "Sustainable awareness and transparency are guiding principles for the BMW Group’s actions. We demand the same from our partners in our worldwide distribution and transport network. We are delighted to be the first automobile manufacturer to become part of the Ship Recycling Transparency Initiative and take a stand for more transparency in ship recycling."

The SRTI adopts a voluntary market-driven approach to sustainable ship recycling practices. The online platform promotes exchange of information on ship recycling practices and guidelines, and helps ensure greater transparency in the maritime sector. The Initiative takes the interests of all its members into account in its efforts to find joint solutions and establish a new standard for responsible ship recycling.

The BMW Group says it has always developed sustainable recycling processes within the company – especially in the area of vehicle recycling. To gradually increase recycling rates, the company tests recycling concepts for new kinds of vehicle components on an ongoing basis at its Recycling and Dismantling Centre. The BMW Group also works with research institutes and suppliers to further implementation of new recycling technologies. With its 'design for recycling' principle, the company aims to ensure that components can be returned to the material cycle wherever possible at the end of a vehicle's lifecycle.