Relevator's Environmental Policy and Sustainability Initiatives
The reason Relevator exists
Extending the lifecycle of warehouse automation is at the heart of everything we do. We want to create a more circular logistics industry where resources are used more wisely. Historically, industrial machinery has often had a shorter lifecycle than it deserves. A new facility, new workflows, or new technology can result in fully functional equipment being left idle or scrapped.
People often talk about circularity in terms of products and transportation. But they rarely consider warehousing itself as part of the circular economy. That’s where we come in. We ensure that the machines that move, lift, and store goods can continue to be used, no matter how the business around them changes.
That is the core of our sustainability efforts: extending the lifecycle of used warehouse automation and making material handling equipment part of the circular economy.
Our climate impact in numbers
We have developed a simple yet thorough process for estimating how much carbon dioxide is saved when a machine is reused.
The weight is based on data provided by the manufacturers or on our own measurements taken during disassembly and transport. It is a key factor, as steel accounts for the largest share of both the material and the environmental impact. We use established values for the amount of carbon dioxide emitted during steel production and update the calculations once a year.
We already operate with the same level of precision as an ISO-certified business. Our goal is to take the next step in the future and obtain certification under ISO 14001 for environmental management, ISO 9001 for quality management, and ISO 14040/14044, which outline principles and methods for life cycle assessments.
Equipment | Typical weight | Carbon dioxide reduction |
|---|---|---|
Vertical Lift Module | 5 tons | 9.27 tons of CO2 |
Belt conveyor | 1 ton | 1.49 tons of CO2 |
Stretch wrapping machine | 1.5 tons | 2.35 tons of CO2 |
Since our inception, we have helped companies avoid significant carbon emissions by reusing equipment that would otherwise have been scrapped. A typical Vertical Lift Module that is given a new lease on life results in a significant reduction in carbon emissions compared to manufacturing a new one. Our total emissions savings exceed our own emissions, which clearly demonstrates the impact of reuse.
Understanding Our Impact on the Climate
We are still in the early stages of our journey toward measuring climate benefits in a more systematic way. Many established climate models are designed to measure emissions from the manufacturing of new products. Demonstrating the climate benefits of reuse often requires a different type of calculation, one that focuses primarily on product lifespan and the positive impact that reuse provides.
Together with RISE and Vinnova, Relevator is participating in a two-year research project aimed at developing new models for life-cycle budgeting within the Swedish manufacturing industry. The project aims to make it easier to understand the climate benefits of reuse and to demonstrate how sustainability can create business value.
The Way Forward
An increasing number of companies are facing requirements to report their indirect emissions, known as Scope 3 emissions. As reporting becomes more comprehensive, there is a growing need for concrete measures that reduce climate impact, rather than merely offsetting it.
Choosing refurbished warehouse automation is one of the most tangible steps a company can take. Every machine that is given a new lease on life replaces a new machine that would otherwise have required large amounts of steel, energy, and transportation. This results in both reduced emissions and freed-up capital.
For our customers, reuse is therefore not just an environmental initiative, but also a way to future-proof their business. It combines economic efficiency, sustainability, and responsibility in a way that delivers real business value today.
This is how we make a difference
For us, sustainability is about making the most of what we already have. When warehouse automation is given a new lease on life, it reduces the amount of resources that go to waste.
Every machine that continues to operate and be used is a step toward a more circular industry where environmental and business benefits go hand in hand.
1,100+
Over 1,000 machine relocations completed for customers in various industries.
30+
We ship to businesses in more than 30 countries worldwide.
50%
On average, 50% less expensive than buying new.
