As Kaneka expanded throughout Europe, it faced increasing logistical
challenges in transporting chemicals safely and efficiently across multiple countries. The company needed to ensure reliable, cost-effective, sustainable, and timely delivery of goods. The primary challenges included:

• Fully utilising Mega Huckepack XLS trailers for chemical shipments

• Leveraging a multimodal network that combines rail, road, and short-sea transport

• Achieving a transport volume of six full loads daily

• Improving transport efficiency by at least 20%

• Managing loading and unloading operations across seven countries

Kaneka’s Goals for a Better Supply Chain

To support its continued growth across Europe while maintaining high service
standards, Kaneka focused on three key supply chain objectives:

1. Cost-effectiveness: Transporting lightweight, loose materials is expensive,
   but Kaneka works to keep costs as low as possible for its customers.
   “Competitive pricing towards end customers is everything. Therefore, we strive to ensure we provide our  competitive pricing through efficiency. Consequently, one of our targets is to keep the cost per weight or volume

   as low as possible.”

2. Lean and green: Integrating various transport modes, such as road,  rail, and short-sea shipping, helps reduce CO₂ emissions and achieve sustainability goals.

3. On-time delivery: Meeting delivery deadlines is crucial, especially for
   customers in demanding industries like chemicals and automotive.

By combining Kaneka’s supply chain objectives with our multimodal logistics expertise, we delivered measurable improvements in efficiency, sustainability, and service reliability.

1. Increased Load Capacity and Fewer Trips

We introduced Mega Huckepack XLS trailers to Kaneka’s logistics. These trailers offer 10% more capacity than standard models. With additional improvements such as silo delivery and the XLS system, Kaneka could fill each truck to near capacity, achieving up to 20% more product per delivery. This resulted in fewer journeys and a direct boost to transport efficiency.

“Mega Huckepack XLS trailers significantly increased transport volumes. The Mega trailer already offers 10% more load capacity. Additionally, with silo delivery and the use of plastic inline alongside the XLS system, we could nearly fill the entire truck from bottom to top with our products. Overall, Mega Huckepack XLS trailers enabled approximately a 20% increase per delivery.”

2. Greener and More Sustainable Transport

By switching to a multimodal approach that combines rail, road, and shortsea options, Kaneka cut its CO₂ emissions by up to 60% on selected routes. Higher load volume also means fewer transport movements, further reducing environmental impact.

“The additional 20% of delivery volume also supports our lean and green strategy as we make fewer transport movements to reach the same volumes. This positively impacts our CO2 reduction. Further, we can gain additional benefits while transporting to Spain thanks to the rail connection.”

3. Reliable, Flexible Deliveries Across Europe

Our flexible multimodal network means Kaneka’s deliveries are on time, even when goods are supplied just-in-time, or routes need to be adjusted. With backup options like double-crewed road services, we help Kaneka meet customer commitments regardless of transit time.

“At Kaneka, we are supplying most of the time out of stock. Together, we can ensure that the delivery times are met. Therefore, there is no issue with using a longer transit time.”

Both Kaneka and Ewals Cargo Care focus on long-term relationships and open communication. Kaneka rates all suppliers not only on delivery performance but also on daily support, communication, and quick response. Ewals Cargo Care consistently achieves over 95% satisfaction.

“A long-term partnership is essential for us. We want to develop and grow together while also achieving our sustainability and cost-efficiency goals. That’s why Ewals Cargo Care is the right partner for us with its multimodal network.”