RailDirect, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and DHL Global Forwarding, has partnered with consumer goods giant Unilever in an initiative focused on reducing the carbon footprint of Unilever’s logistics operations in the UAE.
Unveiled at Global Rail 2024, this partnership, Unilever will utilise RailDirect’s rail freight services to transport goods, a move that aligns with the company’s ambitious environmental goals. Unilever aims to halve the greenhouse gas emissions impact of its products, per consumer use, by 2030 and achieve net zero across its value chain by 2039. By shifting a portion of its logistics operations to rail, Unilever is expected to benefit from lower business costs, more efficient freight movement, and an enhanced competitive edge.
Tariq Alfalahi, CEO of RailDirect, expressed pride in the collaboration, stating: “By integrating our advanced rail freight services, we are poised to substantially reduce the carbon footprint of Unilever’s logistics operations in the UAE. This strategic alliance not only underscores our commitment to sustainable innovation but also aligns with Unilever’s visionary goals for emissions reduction.”
Unilever’s Ahmed Kadous, Head of Supply Chain Personal Care MET and Head of Customer Operations Arabia, emphasised the significance of this partnership for the company’s broader sustainability strategy. He highlighted the importance of diversifying transportation modes as part of Unilever’s decarbonisation efforts, which also include transitioning to renewable energy for warehouse operations and piloting electric vehicles and alternative fuels.
Global Rail 2024, hosted by Etihad Rail under the patronage of prominent UAE leaders, served as a platform to showcase RailDirect’s innovative solutions, which combine rail and road transport to provide a sustainable, cross-border logistics service.
