Digital printing and reprographics specialist Springfield Solutions is driving ahead with a green transport project which aims to cut both cost and carbon.
The Oh Yes! Net Zero member, part of the All4Labels Global Packaging Group, has benefitted from the expertise of University of Hull graduate Hemant Joshi as it looks to reduce the environmental impact of delivering its products.
Hemant, who recently completed his Master’s degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, completed a comprehensive review as part of his studies which compared the cost, and carbon footprint, of Springfield Solutions’ in-house vehicle fleet with using external couriers.
It formed the pilot of an exciting project involving Oh Yes! and the University of Hull’s Business School. Students, like Hemant, will work with Oh Yes! members on a particular area of the business, with a clear focus on sustainability and carbon reduction.
Matt Dass, Managing Director of Springfield Solutions, said: “We’ve been a member of Oh Yes! since the campaign’s launch, and when we heard about this opportunity, we jumped at the chance.
“We’d already identified our vehicle fleet as a target area to become more sustainable – that brings with it both cost and carbon saving benefits for the business. What we were struggling with was having the data, the visibility and the resource to develop that strategy.
“Having Hemant embed himself into the business over recent months has been invaluable. He’s brought expertise, insight and enthusiasm, and the report he’s provided will enable effective decision-making on our transport solutions.”
Springfield Solutions currently operates a hybrid logistics model to deliver its printed self-adhesive labels and products, combining in-house vans with outsourced couriers.
The in-house fleet contribute to Springfield Solutions’ Scope 1 emissions – those that are produced directly by the company – with external couriers forming part of the business’ Scope 3 footprint, as part of its supply chain.
The study focused on seven different postcode delivery areas, where Springfield both delivers new printed self-adhesive labels and collects empty grey bins to be reused.
In the 2024/25 financial year, Springfield’s in-house van fleet made 1,754 trips, totalling 96,000km. Those deliveries produced 14,745 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), and cost the business £24,000 – £13.68 per delivery.
Despite external couriers, with larger vans, only making 46 trips in the time period, they still produced 5,566 CO2e, with a cost of £14,386 – £312.76 per delivery.
Hemant’s study recommended maintaining, and expanding, Springfield’s in-house fleet, and exploring the future electrification of its vans to reduce Scope 1 emissions.
The report found external couriers still had a role to play for specialist deliveries, but highlighted that Scope 3 emissions account for 64 per cent of Springfield’s carbon footprint, making it an area of priority for reduction.
Hemant, who recently founded his own consultancy company Serelith, said: “To have the opportunity to apply my learnings in a real-world business environment will be so beneficial in my future career.
“Springfield Solutions has already made some brilliant progress to adopt more sustainable ways of working, and reduce its environmental impact.
“I hope my study can help shape the next important stage of the company’s journey – improving the efficiency of its logistics operations and deliveries.”
Springfield Solutions has been an active member of Oh Yes! since the campaigns launch in 2022. The business has aligned its operations with the UK’s 2050 net zero target, and has already made a series of commitments to reducing its footprint.
The business has installed 96 solar panels on its roof, generating clean electricity, and installed electric vehicle charging points.
Springfield sub-meters plant equipment, providing greater visibility of their efficiency and carbon footprint, and has switched to biodegradable gloves and LED lighting throughout the building.
Customers have the option to purchase eco-friendly labelling, and staff engagement is being addressed through a number of climate-focused training and education programmes.
After the successful trial, it is expected more Oh Yes! members will engage with the programme and benefit from the expertise of University of Hull students.