Reducing CO₂ emissions from transportation was a clear priority for Focchi. Outbound logistics represented one of the company’s main emission hotspots, requiring a solution that would significantly lower environmental impact without compromising operational performance. At the same time, the construction industry presents unique logistical challenges, particularly in markets such as the UK. Deliveries must meet strict safety and sustainability standards while navigating busy urban environments like London and Manchester.

Key challenges

• reduce CO₂ emissions in outbound transport flows;

• ensure reliable, on-time deliveries for project-critical timelines;

• comply with strict UK safety and sustainability regulations;

• handle large, non-standard façade elements requiring specialised equipment;

• support a transition towards more multimodal, less road-dependent transport.

“The UK is a very demanding market regarding sustainability and safety requirements. This is why we need sustainable partners with drivers with special licenses to get to the sites in crowded London or Manchester.” -Eleonora Tonelli

To address these challenges, Ewals Cargo Care worked closely with Focchi to implement a multimodal transport strategy combining rail, short-sea, and road transport. This approach reduced reliance on road transport while maintaining flexibility and performance across the supply chain. Key elements of the solution included:

• rail and short-sea transport, enabling lower-emission long-distance transport;

• road connections, ensuring flexible and reliable last-mile delivery;

• Mega Trailers with top and side loading, supporting efficient transport of non-standard cargo;

• certified drivers and compliant equipment, meeting UK requirements for urban construction sites.

A crucial element was proactive contingency planning. While multimodal transport introduces additional complexity, Ewals Cargo Care ensured disruptions were managed effectively to maintain delivery reliability.

“Initially, we were hesitant about contingency planning for a multimodal network. However, in the event of disruptions in the multimodal network, ECC is very proactive and has a significant impact on resolving the issue. Now, we are more positive about the punctuality and the affordability of the multimodal delivery.” -Eleonora Tonelli

Focchi, Italy

The collaboration between Focchi and Ewals Cargo Care goes beyond operational execution. It is built on a shared commitment to improving sustainability, performance and efficiency over time.

The partnership focuses on:

• continuous optimisation of transport flows and modal mix;

• exploring alternative fuels and future-proof solutions, such as HVO;

• improving resource utilisation across the network, including return flows;

• maintaining close communication to quickly resolve operational issues.

“Focchi focuses on its sustainability impact. The indirect impact is more challenging to control than direct CO2 emissions. The outbound logistics is the second hotspot for our emissions. Therefore, we focus on multimodal transportation, especially when railway and sea transportation are available. Further, we are also investigating green fuels, such as HVO fuel.” -Eleonora Tonelli

This collaborative approach ensures that improvements are not one-off initiatives, but part of an ongoing journey towards more sustainable logistics.

23% CO2 reduction in outbound logistics

The multimodal transport strategy has delivered clear, measurable results for Focchi, supporting both sustainability and operational performance.

Key results:

• 23% reduction in CO₂ emissions across outbound logistics in 2023;

• 274,129 kg of CO₂ saved compared to road-only transport;

• consistent on-time delivery performance, supporting construction schedules;

• efficient transport of non-standard cargo, using specialised trailers;

• improved resource efficiency, including reduced empty kilometres;

• high service quality, supported by fast and effective issue resolution.

“On-time deliveries are very important in the industrial industry, since  each piece of the building needs to be installed in a certain week. Multimodal transport is slower, but with some good planning, a longer delivery time is not an issue.” -Eleonora Tonelli

“We are satisfied with the service. Even if problems occur, the collaboration between people is excellent, so everything is quickly solved.” -Eleonora Tonelli

Looking ahead, Focchi plans to leverage ECC’s CO₂ reduction certifications to further optimize their supply chain and achieve their net-zero goals. This collaborative approach positions ECC as a key partner in Focchi’s sustainability journey. By leveraging ECC’s expertise and unwavering commitment to sustainable practices, Focchi is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious environmental targets and solidify its position as a leader in sustainable construction.

“The next step for us is to gain more data on our CO₂ emission impact. We will leverage information such as ECC’s CO₂ reduction certification to optimize our supply chain.”