The Definition of Sustainability
Sustainability is a broad concept that can be understood in different ways, but at its core, it’s about meeting the needs of today without reducing the opportunities for future generations to meet theirs.
Windmill forwarding and sustainability
At Windmill, we are strongly committed to sustainability and circular business practices. While our mission and vision are not explicitly rooted in sustainability, our business operations are highly aligned with its principles.
Our pursuit of these sustainable practices not only contributes to a better future for our planet but also provides valuable benefits to our customers and society as a whole.
The advantages of our services for individuals, businesses, and private clients are highlighted below, using the 7R model of the circular economy as the foundation of our approach. This model emphasizes smarter use and design of products and services, as well as extending their lifespan.
Groupage transport optimized throughout the entire cycle
At Windmill, groupage is implemented at three levels: in the country of origin, during overseas shipping, and in the country of destination. This approach ensures maximum efficiency and sustainability, as we carefully select the most suitable transport method for each segment of the journey, making optimal use of existing networks.
During the moving process, we optimize transport by combining household goods from multiple households into one shared trip, a process known as groupage. This reduces the number of trips needed, lowering costs and minimizing traffic and emissions. It ensures that even smaller moves can be carried out efficiently and sustainably. In the past, each move might have required an individual trip, but now we combine multiple moves into one. Both in the country of origin, during overseas shipping, and in the country of destination.
During the overseas phase of transport, various shipments of household goods are consolidated into a single container. This maximizes the use of available container space (and reduces costs per unit) while simultaneously lowering the ecological footprint of the transport. This method of load consolidation ensures optimal space utilization, which is essential for sustainable international logistics.
As in the country of origin, we also apply groupage in the destination country for the distribution of goods. After arrival at the port, goods from different customers are combined into a single transport vehicle for their onward journey to their final destination. This ensures not only more efficient use of transport resources but also faster and more organized delivery of goods.
Interpretation of the 7-R model and its impact
Not all principles of the 7R model are explicitly mentioned in our approach, as we do not produce a product ourselves. However, we align with the 7R model through the impact of our business activities. Many of our sustainable actions reflect the underlying philosophy of these principles.
Rethink
At Windmill, we continuously rethink traditional processes and services used by consumers and businesses. While we cannot directly change all existing practices, we strive to have a positive influence by collaborating with interested and conscientious individuals. This means we are constantly seeking innovative ways to improve our services and operations to achieve more sustainable outcomes.
Reduce
Efficient use of transport
By optimizing logistical planning, we ensure that every container is utilized to its fullest capacity. This reduces the need for additional transport resources and minimizes the number of trips required.
Reduction of co2 emissions per item shipped
Through our strategies for more intensive and efficient use of containers, we significantly lower CO2 emissions per shipped item. This supports our broader goals of minimizing the ecological footprint of our transport operations.
Reuse
This section does not discuss reusing containers, but rather focuses on enabling individuals to move goods with a long lifespan.
Our groupage moving service allows goods to maintain their longevity with their owners.
By offering groupage moving services, we enable smaller volumes to be shipped at fair rates. This means goods purc
Refuse
With the introduction of our groupage moving service, customers can choose a more efficient and sustainable way of moving, reducing the need for unnecessary and environmentally taxing services. By offering this option, we encourage consumers to opt only for what is truly needed, thereby avoiding waste.
Choose Windmill
For sustainable international moving