Marks & Spencer is set to become the first company in the world to use a revolutionary articulated trailer, whose teardrop shape reduces CO2 emissions by 20%, when compared to a standard cab-trailer fleet operation.
Following successful controlled testing of a prototype, M&S has ordered the first 140 trailers, which have been developed and manufactured by Don-Bur, the market champions for innovative and operationally efficient commercial vehicle bodywork.
The lightweight trailer can carry up to 16% more load – equivalent to 10,560 extra pairs of knickers - than a standard trailer. Its aerodynamic shape also delivers a 10% fuel saving. This shatters the long-held belief in the trucking industry that you cannot improve fuel efficiency without compromising load capacity. M&S’ 141 Teardrop trailers will reduce its carbon footprint by 840 tonnes every year.
The Don-Bur Teardrop trailers mimic the perfect aerodynamic lines of a teardrop, whilst increasing internal load space. The roof has a specially designed full-length curve and corners are rounded off to improve air flow, while the gap between the truck and trailer is minimised to reduce turbulence and skirts under the trailer further minimise the drag factor.
Simon Ratcliffe, General Merchandise Logistics Director at Marks & Spencer commented: “The Teardrop trailers are another step in our efforts to take our UK and Irish operations carbon neutral under Plan A, M&S’ five-year eco-plan. Don-Bur’s revolutionary design has helped us not only reduce fuel usage and carbon emissions, but also allows us to carry more stock per trailer, cutting the number of journeys we need to make.
David Burton, Sales Director at Don-Bur said: “Increasing fuel efficiency without reducing load capacity has been a conundrum that has faced the logistics industry for many years. The Teardrop trailer has solved this problem at a time when responsible organisations are looking to run transport networks which are both efficient and environmentally-friendly. We are delighted that Marks & Spencer has recognised the potential of the Teardrop model for its own business.”
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For further information, please contact:
Leisa Stewart M&S 020 8718 8132
Richard Owens Don-Bur 01782 599 666
Notes to editors:
In January 2007, M&S announced Plan A, a five-year, 100-point plan to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing our business and our world, through five pillars:
- Climate Change: We aim to make our UK and Republic of Ireland operations carbon neutral in five years. We will minimise energy use, maximise the use of renewables and offset only as a last resort.
- Waste: We’ll reduce packaging by 25%, find new ways to recycle and stop sending waste to landfill from our stores, offices and warehouses.
- Sustainable Raw Materials: From fish to forests, our goal is to make sure our key raw materials come from the most sustainable sources available.
- Fair Partner: By being a fair partner, we’ll help improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in our worldwide supply chain and local communities.
- Health: We’ll help customers and employees choose healthier lifestyles through healthy food ranges and clear labelling.
For further information on M&S’ Plan A, go to: www.marksandspencer.com/PlanA
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