As a centerpiece of sustainable resource management, the wood recycling industry is a vital partner for many different businesses.
Collecting wood waste from landfills, and transforming it into useful products means these companies play a vital part in reducing the carbon footprint of many different industries, whilst supporting the circular economy for others.
However, one small part of this large industry is a vital cog in the machine. Well-organised, sustainable and cost-effective collection, processing and distribution of wood waste is vital. The haulage and logistics industry plays a huge part in ensuring that robust wood recycling programs can function effectively. Here, we take a look at how wood recycling has benefited from innovative haulage and logistics technology.
The problems with wood waste
Historically, the logistics problems of the wood recycling industry were many and complex. Not only was it reliant on manual processes such as scheduling collections, managing paperwork and tracking inventory, which often led to delays and errors, but there was limited visibility throughout the supply chain.
Not only this but coordinating collections from a diverse range of sources and transporting wood to processing centres also posed problems. In addition to this, the type and volume of wood waste vary so significantly that it made it tricky to plan routes and utilise fleets effectively.
Perhaps the largest problem that the wood waste industry historically had was that the inefficient routing in transportation led to much higher fuel consumption, and thusly emissions inflated far beyond what they needed to be.
What’s changed?
Now, however, technological advancements are helping to address these challenges. Here, we look at how they are transforming how we collect, distribute and deliver wood waste and new products made from it.
Technology
There have been major technological advancements in the haulage and logistics industry, and wood waste logistics is no exception. Typically, route optimisation and planning software is now used to analyse data relating to collection points, routings and vehicle capacity. By utilising this technology, travel time can be minimised, fuel consumption can be reduced and labour costs can also be lowered.
GPS tracking
Route tracking technology provides data on the location and performance of vehicles, which can help fleet managers optimise routes to lower fuel consumption and address problems with driver behaviour. For example, if it is noticed that drivers are idling more frequently than they need to be, causing more fuel consumption, more training can be given to such drivers. This can reduce their impact on the environment whilst partaking in this useful and sustainable role.
Inventory management
These days, the haulage and logistics industry relies heavily on inventory management systems. By being able to track the flow of wood waste from collection to processing and then on to distribution, this enables better visibility of stock.
Eco-friendly vehicles
Far from the heavy, cumbersome, energy inefficient vehicles of the past, there is a new breed of HGVs and other types of wood waste collection vehicles. By adopting new technologies, companies can reduce their fuel consumption from within the wood waste recycling chain.
What’s next?
For the haulage and logistics industry, there is much to look forward to technologically, particularly in the wood waste industry. Not only will artificial intelligence be used to optimise operations and automate route guidance, adapting to future demand, but the Internet of Things will connect various parts of the circular economy for better data points.
By providing reliable data on availability, movement and visibility of waste wood, this means that it can be directed to where it is needed most, with as low environmental impact as possible.
