Environment

Aurora Coop invests in sustainability in transport

The Central Cooperativa Aurora Alimentos (Aurora Coop) is increasing investments in even more sustainable logistics and, with this, expanding its presence in the international market. The intention is to optimize resources and significantly minimize socio-environmental impacts, reducing waste and emission of polluting gases.

Among the new features are investment in the railway model, in a gas fleet for container operations, in more modern trucks with technology compatible with new legislation; shipowners with ships with sustainable transport seal and CO’2 reduction seal; electric vehicles, among others.

RAIL TRANSPORT

Brado Logística will provide the rail service and shipments will be made daily in Cambé (PR), followed by the Port of Paranaguá (PR). For the expected volume, Brado granted a certificate focused on ESG with an estimated reduction of approximately 2,909.69 tons of CO’2 over a period of one year, equivalent to the annual emissions of 628 vehicles. To absorb all this carbon dioxide, it would be necessary to plant 20,775 trees.

According to Alexandre Leal Capella, International Planning coordinator at Aurora Coop, it is essential to think about new shipping strategies due to the increase in the volume of exports from Aurora Coop. Even with a longer operational time, the rail mode has a lower cost compared to the road, reduces the flow of vehicles on the roads and reduces CO’2 emissions. The logistical process from collection of the empty container to loaded delivery at the Port of Paranaguá (PR) will take, on average, 20 days.

“We are aware that CO’2 is a major villain in environmental issues, as it is one of those responsible for the overheating of the planet, which generates severe environmental imbalances. With our action we are contributing to a better planet, not only for us, but for future generations.”

Capella also informs that Aurora Coop’s import and export unit in Itajaí (SC) will strategically increase shipments via the Port of Paranaguá (PR) in 2023. 144 containers will be loaded monthly, which will be transported by rail.

GAS VEHICLES

Faced with new technologies and changes in national policies aimed at reducing pollutant emissions, Aurora Coop identified the need to adapt to modern standards, with the adoption of more sustainable solutions.

The reduction in environmental pollution that gas-powered trucks offer are differences considered when considering the possibility of replacing diesel, a fuel already consolidated in the truck market.

In the pioneering project in international container transport operations, the model used will be a Scania – R 410 vehicle, which also has the brand’s connectivity services to monitor its performance.

Américo Luiz Boemer Júnior, Port Operations coordinator at Aurora Coop, explains that the idea came about through a partnership with one of its transporters, who made a truck available for a 30-day pilot test. “In the future we intend to have more sustainable vehicles in order to operate with the least pollutants possible.”

In practice, “the expectation is that we will be contributing to the planet by reducing CO’2 and reducing noise by up to 20% compared to diesel-powered vehicles in the same category. The entry of this vehicle into the container operation at Aurora Coop brings the adoption of more sustainable solutions”, highlights Américo.

EURO 6 FLEETS

Aurora Coop’s fleet of medium and heavy vehicles is also in the renewal phase. The replacement from Euro 5 to Euro 6 is part of the movement to reduce gas emissions. There was a change in legislation and, as a result, all diesel-powered cargo vehicles, with a total gross weight (GVW) above 3.5 tons manufactured in Brazil from January of this year must have the Euro 6 system. At Aurora Coop , vehicles manufactured until 2022 can continue working, however, the transporter that invests in the new technology will receive a bonus as a way of encouraging renewal.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Since last year, Aurora Coop has included the use of electric vehicles in its refrigerated product delivery fleet. The initiative emerged as part of the innovation projects and was implemented by the Logistics area, due to the insecurity of those operating with diesel vehicles due to increases in the cost of a liter of fuel, combined with concerns about environmental pollution and the global warming.

In accordance with the cooperative’s sustainable values, the vehicles comply with environmental legislation, minimize noise pollution, allowing use at alternative times and generate less vibration and internal noise, which brings more work comfort to drivers.

The projection for the coming years is to use 45 electric vehicles, distributed throughout Brazil. O