Migros with 70 Percent Less CO2 in Transport by 2030

Thanks to the software “M Opex Tower” developed in collaboration with Empa, Migros now maps all its goods flows in real-time. This allows the retailer to make its logistics even safer, more efficient, and more ecological.The tool enables Migros to plan its transport logistics in such a way that it can reduce its CO₂ emissions in road traffic by 70% by 2030.

(Zurich) The “M Opex Tower” utilizes various data from Migros’ transport routes. This includes, among other things, the distance of the route, the elevation changes along the way, the weight of the load, or the fuel consumption. From this data treasure, Migros and Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology) have developed algorithms that can calculate which type of truck drive is the most environmentally friendly for which route. Based on the results of the “M Opex Tower,” Migros has derived a multi-technology approach. Specifically, this means that it relies on a combination of three different alternative drive types and continuously expands its truck fleet accordingly.

Hydrogen

Migros was one of the pioneers in Switzerland about a year ago and was one of the first companies to put the Xcient Hydrogen Trucks from Hyundai into operation. Within a year, the hydrogen truck fleet has increased from 3 to 11. Three more trucks will soon complement the Migros fleet. A major advantage of hydrogen trucks is their range. They can currently be used for distances of up to 400 km.

Biogas

78 biogas and biodiesel trucks are already on Swiss roads for Migros. A milestone was reached in early November when the Migros Basel cooperative opened the first biogas filling station in Münchenstein (BL). Biogas generates up to 80% less CO₂ emissions than diesel. The biogas closes a valuable cycle: it is produced from green waste from various Migros operations, among other sources.

Electric Battery

Currently, a total of 99 electric vehicles (13 trucks and 86 light vehicles) are operating in the name of Migros on Swiss roads. According to the “M Opex Tower,” electric trucks are ideal for short distances in the city. They are quiet and do not cause noise emissions during deliveries in residential areas.

Thanks to digitalization, Migros can consistently continue its path of CO₂ reduction and make goods transport as climate-friendly as possible. Further acquisitions of ecological transport trucks, as well as the expansion of the filling station network for alternative drives, are already in planning.

Transport Mode Number 1 Remains the Train

Since its founding, Migros has always relied on transport by train, and even today, about 50% of its domestic transports are handled by rail. Migros’ production facilities are often directly connected to the national rail network, allowing a loaf of bread to be loaded directly from the oven onto a train and transported across Switzerland. 400 SBB Cargo wagons are on the road daily solely for Migros.

Photo: © Migros