Ready for the future: safer and greener

For reducing and mapping greenhouse emissions, Versteijnen received a ‘star’ from the Lean & Green Star emission reduction program. ‘’On top of that, we’re well on our way to a second Lean & Green Star, in terms of emissions’’, Frank says. Yet, it might still take a while until futuristic hydrogen cars are common and complete self-sufficiency is a standard. ‘’The market is not yet willing to go the extra mile for such sustainable innovation. Quite frustrating, because that’s what I’d like to see the most.”

Frank is also responsible for safety at Versteijnen.”I make sure we meet all legal requirements. Put simply, I want everyone get home safely after a day of work. There are multiple ways to achieve this: from immediately reporting dangerous situations, to making sure all employees know the labels for the different substances we store. And there are quite a few of those: over 1500.”

Development of safety and sustainability in the distant future is a two-way street, Frank emphasizes. “Aside legal requirements, a change in the working culture of a company or sector is at least as important. You shouldn’t rush tasks, but work safely and with care. And fast or cheap transport shouldn’t be the only objectives for our sector and clients- distribution should be efficient and sustainable as well. Such reciprocity is vital. For our sector, and others.”