From increased electrification to floor plan optimisation, Martin McVicar, Combilift’s CEO and Co-Founder, demonstrates the tangible benefits of green thinking in materials handling operations.

Sustainability is a term that is becoming increasingly important for most companies around the world. “Green” is no longer just a colour: it has now turned into a symbol of commitment to environmental friendliness.

Reducing a company’s carbon footprint benefits society and the environment, and transitioning to electric-powered equipment can ensure a more sustainable business model. Martin McVicar explains: “Sustainability is at our core – we’re highly focused on making our vehicles more environmentally friendly and helping our customers maximise their warehouse efficiency.” 

The Irish material handling specialist is responding to the increasing demand for greener technologies, with 98% of its R&D dedicated to developing energy-efficient and electric-powered equipment. Recent product innovations, such as the Combi CB70E, Combi-Cube, and Combi-AGT, are fully electric models, exemplifying this commitment. Additionally, over 70% of its current production is electric.

Martin McVicar emphasises: “Almost every model in our extensive range of products is now available with electric power. The ever-increasing lift capacities will answer the demand for more powerful products, which at the same time help companies to achieve their aims for more sustainable operations”

As well as using electric power, optimising warehouse space also contributes to a sustainable supply chain. Maximising space use leads to lower energy consumption for utilities like heating and lighting. By narrowing aisles and using higher racking, a company can free up space to create more storage.

Martin McVicar emphasises this point: “We have always viewed Combilift as more than just a designer and manufacturer of forklifts and other handling solutions. Space is one of the most valuable assets our customers possess, and if our trucks can help them improve storage density, then everyone benefits.”

As well as improving the efficiencies of customers, Combilift is also striving to become more sustainable in its own operations.

“We are strongly committed to reducing our own carbon footprint, which extends to optimising our resources and minimising waste. This encompasses everything from biomass fuel being used in our paint lines, to our lighting and use of renewable energy,” says McVicar.

30 per cent of the manufacturing plant’s roof space is equipped with skylights, allowing staff to work in natural daylight. The facility also practices rainwater harvesting, which is utilised for jet washing and in employee restrooms and employs solar technology that generates 185 kW of energy, accounting for 10 per cent of its daily energy usage. In addition, Combilift has transitioned to using water-based paints for all the machines it manufactures, significantly reducing the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) used, thereby helping to protect the environment.

Discover how Combilift can enhance the safety, productivity, and sustainability of your material handling operations:

Combilift.com