Melitta and Kuehne+Nagel reduce emissions with Book and Claim

Etienne Jollois, Site Logistics Manager at Melitta France, gives us an exclusive insight into the strategic collaboration between Melitta and Kuehne+Nagel. This partnership between two market leaders is part of a shared vision of responsibility and sustainability. 

Melitta, an international group specialising in coffee preparation, has chosen Kuehne+Nagel as its road transport partner, particularly for its Book and Claim offer. Kuehne+Nagel provides groupage and freight forwarding services throughout France to deliver Melitta products. The Road Logistics teams connect the storage and order preparation platform in Chézy-sur-Marne with major food retailers. 

Why Kuehne+Nagel? 

"At Melitta, sustainability is a central pillar of our strategy. We work tirelessly to reduce our carbon footprint at every stage of our distribution chain. France contributes significantly to the group’s objectives with a reduction of over 50% in its emissions," says Etienne Jollois. 

The partnership with Kuehne+Nagel will further reduce emissions. Kuehne+Nagel's Road Logistics team has implemented a customised Book and Claim offer, which is aligned with Melitta's goals. By choosing Kuehne+Nagel as a transport partner, Melitta is committed to actively contributing to its environmental objectives. 

"We were looking for a partner capable of supporting us in our transition," shares Etienne Jollois. We chose Kuehne+Nagel for its reputation for operational excellence and its commitment to sustainability. Their approach aligns with our values and ensures that we are moving in the right direction," shares Etienne Jollois. 

What is Book and Claim? 

Book and Claim is a chain-of-custody model. It means that the attributes of a product or service, like its sustainability benefits, can be uncoupled from that product or service and transferred through an accounting methodology.  

In a logistics context, it enables companies to “claim” the emission reductions of LETS* (Low Emission Transport Services) when it is not possible or efficient to physically move their goods through these means (for example, where low-emission fuel is not available, grid power is insufficient to charge an electric truck, etc.). This works because emissions have no borders, and global warming is only concerned with the absolute quantity of CO₂e, not with who physically produced it. The key principle here is that it’s possible to clearly define and differentiate between the entity generating the emission reduction and the entity claiming that reduction.  

Advantages of Book and Claim  

• The solution is very simple to implement: it involves no changes for the teams. 
• Calculation of HVO Equivalents: It is sufficient to calculate the number of kilometers travelled and find the equivalent in Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). 
• Investing in a sustainable future: the customer helps to scale low-emission transport services. 

"I firmly believe that to transform our industry and move towards more sustainable distribution, it is essential to invest in the transition," concludes Etienne Jollois. 

The collaboration between Melitta and Kuehne+Nagel for the Book and Claim solution is part of a rigorous sustainable development strategy, with clear objectives and a strong commitment to reducing CO₂e. 

*Low-emission transport services (LETS) is an umbrella term that captures transport solutions that reduce emissions compared to those that burn “traditional” fossil fuels. Examples of LETS include biofuels or electric vehicles.