TIP Group supports Howdens with refurbishment of 400 trailers to support its sustainability credentials

TIP Group is supporting its customer Howdens Joinery Ltd as it embarks on an extensive refurbishment project of half of Howdens' 800 strong trailer fleet, as well as expanding its truck fleet with 9 brand-new LNG Volvo tractor units. It is a major project for both businesses with Howdens taking significant strides in its commitment to sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) responsibilities. The refurbishment initiative will see nearly 400 existing Howdens' tri-axle curtainsider trailers refurbished over the next 10 months, extending their working life for a further 10 years.

This comprehensive project involves stripping each trailer, shotblasting the chassis and superstructure before repainting and mechanical refitting. To finish, there requires the fitment of new strapping, new curtains and TIP's telematics system, TIP Insight. With regards to the latter, it will mean that Howdens have an Electronic Braking Performance Monitoring System (EBPMS) for their trailer fleet, enabling them to comply with the DVSA's guidelines regarding brake efficiency testing, as set out in their 'Guide To Maintaining Roadworthiness' publication.

The addition of TIP's BrakePlus system will increase Howdens' operational efficiencies, whilst enhancing the safety of their fleet on the road. Purchasing new trailers for the whole fleet would not only have involved a large capital outlay for Howdens but would have seen a significant tonnage of CO2 emissions generated as part of the manufacturing process. The refurbishment option available to Howdens provides a more sustainable solution and it has been calculated that there will be an approximate saving of 3.9 tonnes of CO2 emissions per trailer by avoiding the emissions generated from the manufacturing process if purchased from new.

For the Howdens fleet, this translates to a saving of 1,548.3tCO2e in emissions in total. Markus Pretzl, Head of ESG at TIP, commented: "Using the expected lifetime mileage and scope of refurbishment of each trailer across the Howdens fleet we are able to calculate the carbon dioxide savings for the business in taking the refurbishment route, as opposed to purchasing from new." Further environmental benefits are being made by recycling all 400 sets of trailer curtains.

Buckles and poles are being salvaged for the metal, whilst the curtains and straps are being cleaned, recycled and ultimately made into bags and accessories, avoiding approximately 60 tonnes of landfill. TIP manages not only Howdens' fleet of trailers but its trucks too within Howdens VMU's at their two main distribution centres in Goole and Northamptonshire. Howdens' decision to refurbish rather than pursue new trailers bolsters its commitment to sustainable practices.

By extending the life of existing trailers, Howdens significantly reduces its environmental footprint, aligns with its ESG principles and demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to fleet management. The introduction of 9 new Volvo LNG trucks further emphasises Howdens' commitment to reducing its carbon footprint with LNG vehicles lowering emissions compared to their diesel counterparts. Gareth Sterland, Head of Transport, at Howdens commented: "It is our responsibility to future proof the transport side of our business in the most efficient and safe way we can, and this is a fantastic method of doing so.

The support we are receiving from TIP makes this project possible and we look forward to completion of the programme and to continuing our partnership."