Sustainable logistics doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive – quite the opposite: sometimes, the solution is closer than you think. Together with Hellmann, BHS Global Logistics GmbH has restructured its transport of spare and installation parts from Turkey to its production site in Weiherhammer, Bavaria. The result: significantly lower emissions, stable transit times – and even reduced costs.
 

BHS Global Logistics is a trusted partner of BHS Corrugated and a global provider of solutions for the complex requirements of the corrugated cardboard industry. In Weiherhammer, key components from various parts of Europe are assembled into state-of-the-art production systems. Previously, two trucks per week were used to transport components from Eskişehir, Turkey, to Bavaria. However, as part of a strategic realignment, sustainability became a stronger focus – without compromising on cost-efficiency or reliability.

“Our goal was clear: to find a solution that works both ecologically and economically,” explains Fabian Taubensee, Route Development Manager at Hellmann. “The fact that we were even able to save around ten percent in transport costs was the cherry on top.”

The new transport solution relies on an intermodal combination of various modes of transport – leveraging the strengths of each. Specifically, the journey begins with pickup by truck in Eskişehir. The container is then transferred to a RoRo vessel (Roll-on/Roll-off) at the port of Gemlik, which ships it across the Mediterranean to Trieste, Italy. From there, it continues by rail to Wels, Austria. The final stretch is once again handled by truck, delivering the parts directly to the site in Weiherhammer. The total transit time remains the same as before – six days.

“By switching from road to rail, we save around 70 percent CO₂ per shipment,” explains Mei Ling Li, Sustainability Lead for Cleaner Logistics products at Hellmann. “Instead of emitting approximately 6,772 kilograms of CO₂ via road transport, the new solution generates only around 2,069 kilograms. This reduction is a major lever for improving the carbon footprint.”

The operational transition also went smoothly. The 45-foot curtainside container used offers the same loading volume as a standard truck trailer – so shipment volumes remained unchanged. Processes such as pre-advice, loading, and customs clearance could also stay virtually the same.
Close coordination among all stakeholders was key: from Key Account Management and the Railfreight team to the sustainability experts and operations units in both Germany and Turkey – everyone worked hand in hand. The central coordination hub was the Hellmann branch in Nuremberg, where Fabian Taubensee, Nadine Sailer from operational key account management, and Yavuz Caliskan from the Turkey team ensured a seamless process.

The new solution has also been well received by the customer. Alexander Walberer, Manager Business Development at BHS Global Logistics, highlights:

“We were looking for a more sustainable transport solution that still made economic sense. Hellmann delivered an approach that met – and even exceeded – all our requirements. From the start, the collaboration was built on partnership and solution-orientation. We were particularly impressed by how easily the new transport chain integrated into our daily operations." 

Further optimization opportunities along the supply chain are already being discussed – always with the goal of smartly combining sustainability and efficiency.

“What started as a conversation with Alexander Walberer about overseas shipments has developed into a strategic partnership,” concludes Fabian Taubensee. “We’re proud that, together with BHS Global Logistics GmbH, we’ve found a way that proves sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive – but actually complement each other perfectly.”

Want to make your transports more sustainable – without compromising on profitability?
Learn more about our Cleaner Logistics products and rail freight solutions on our website. Together, we’ll find a solution that fits your supply chain – ecologically sound, economically viable, and operationally practical.