The paper on the optimisation of distribution systems is the second report to be published by the Forum, which was set up last year by the European Commission and European retail sector as part of a drive to promote more sustainable production and consumption. While there are positive and negative aspects to individual modes of transport, an efficient use of a combination of road, rail, air and waterways is the best way to reduce the impact of transport operations on the environment, the paper reports. Increased cooperation with suppliers, service providers, public authorities and institutions is also crucial. Sustainable and efficient transport has become a major focus in the retail industry in recent years. For European companies, the greening of logistics concerns not only environmental aspects but also efficiency. Logistics are estimated to account for 10-15% of the final costs of finished products and businesses are increasingly seeking to cut costs, for example by reducing fuel consumption and ensuring vehicles carry maximum loads. The paper highlights factors that can encourage or hinder the environmental efficiency of the distribution chain and looks at individual forms of transport. It also includes many examples of good practice. The Retail Forum is one of the initiatives under the EU's Action Plan on sustainable consumption and production and sustainable industrial policy. Over the next two years, the Retail Forum will issue a dozen papers providing proposals for action in important environmental areas for the retail sector. The next issue paper will focus on marketing and effective communication. Further details: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/industry/retail/index_en.htm

(Source: European Commission http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEX/10/0113&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en)