Acer: Decarbonising Logistics with Strategic Partnerships

Acer is decarbonising its European supply chain through the implementation of electric trucks and other sustainable methods.

It is building strategic partnerships with global logistics companies, using their expertise and innovation to further advancements.

The logistics transformation is one step further towards reaching Acer's sustainability goals.

Building green supply chains

Acer is investing sustainable transportation, through new electric trucks and biofuel. It is going one step further with the implementation of continuous emissions monitoring. 

In order to meet these goals, Acer is renewing its partnership with Kuehne+Nagel and forming a partnership with DSV to expand its sustainable transportation network. 

The Netherlands will see the first shipments by electric trucks, which will improve air quality in urban areas and reduce local emissions. 

Kuehne+Nagel is working in partnership with Acer to bring Hydro Vegetable Oil (HVO) and other biofuels to the remaining fuel-based trucks. 

This will eventually replace traditional fossil fuels and reduce Acer's logistics carbon footprint.

The logistics industry is currently responsible for approximately 8% of the CO₂e emissions around the world. To combat this, Kuehne+Nagel and DSV are implementing sustainable practices into their logistics, helping other companies do the same through green partnerships.

Kuehne+Nagel is aiming to reduce Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions 33% by 2030 within its own operations.

“As logistics advisors, we help our customers transform their business model by strategically designing their value chain to make them profitable, sustainable and future proof.” explains Ave Stella Maris Crotti, Sustainability Manager at Kuehne+Nagel.

“Collaboration and transparency are key to turn our ESG commitment into action.”

Supply chain logistics

Acer is also bringing in an internal tool to monitor CO₂ emissions for each shipment, which is set to majorly improve transparency and allow for the creation of informed target creations to better increase efficiency.

Every year, Acer transports large volumes of products which forms its logistics management.

As Acer delivers mainly to Chinese ports, Europe and the EMEA area, this is a significant amount of mileage covered. The company needs to consider the environmental impact as well as the most efficient transportation system to reach its destinations. 

More than 5,000TEU is transported by sea every year, with more than 3,000FTL transported by land. Moreover, 12 equivalent cargo flights transport Acer products every year. 

“The preference for sea transport is motivated by a clear sustainability objective, favouring modes of transport with a lower environmental impact." explains Riccardo Bernasconi, EMEA Senior Director of Supply Chain at Acer.

"This is complemented by reduced air and sea-air transport (e.g. via Dubai), as well as land transport by truck and a train that is currently suspended for geopolitical reasons.

"Events such as the Suez Canal crisis can increase costs by up to 25-30%, also affecting the environmental footprint, which is why transport choices are fundamental for both economic efficiency and sustainability.”

The logistics scope of both Kuehne+Nagel and DSV provides Acer with a larger capacity for innovation across sustainable strategy. 

A history of sustainability

In 2022, Acer began maximising logistics by creating larger shipments, which in turn led to a decrease of 779 truck journeys. 

As a result, there was a reduction in CO₂ by 593 tonnes. 

In using Sustainable Maritime Fuel, emissions can be reduced by up to 85%.

The implementation of green logistics is just one step in the company's pledge to go green. 

The company has been committing to long-term sustainability through its innovative designs and move to partner with sustainable brands.

From 2020 to 2024, more than 50 million computers and products use post-consumer recycled products. Now, with its partnerships, it is further reducing its carbon footprint and helping transform the logistics sector.

"Sustainability is part of our corporate culture,’ adds Trivikram Jayacham, Acer EMEA HR Senior Director.

"For this reason, we have embarked on a “proactive path” by adopting innovative business models that prioritise reducing our environmental impact.

"Among the projects, which are small but greatly appreciated by our employees, are the charging station for electric cars and the free provision of eBikes/eScooters to promote sustainable mobility during working hours."

Acer is taking steps to make genuine change to its environmental impact, and its partnerships with DSV and Kuehne+Nagel is making sure it will hit those targets.