13/02/2009

One of the world’s leading industrial companies, ICI Paints AkzoNobel, has taken delivery of new curtain-sided ‘Teardrop’ trailers following an environmental review by its supply chain partner of over twenty years, TDG.

These innovative trailers, developed and manufactured by Don-Bur, have a full length curve over the whole roof. The distinctive shape reduces turbulence and minimises drag; dramatically improving the vehicle aerodynamics to create a 10% saving in fuel and a reduction in CO2 emissions of 100 tonnes each year for the fleet compared to standard curtain-sided trailers.

The eight new trailers, fully liveried with ICI Paints AkzoNobel brands, will be used on the UK operations from Goole and Stowmarket and will serve the new style store delivery trunking operation.

Whilst the solid body Teardrop trailer has been seen on the UK’s roads for about 12 months, ‘curtain-sided’ versions are very new. Still retaining a 4m roof height at the front to match the tractor unit, rising to 4.5m and gradually dipping to 3.7m at the rear, the curtain-sider also has aerodynamic, full-wrap side skirts to further enhance its streamline qualities.

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David Macrae, UK Logistics Manager from ICI Paints AkzoNobel says: “Sustainability and the environment are very important to us and TDG have worked hard to help us reach our targets. The introduction of these aerodynamic trailers is another step in the right direction and is a part of our ‘Step Towards Greener’ initiative. We will continue to work together to ensure we can further minimise the impact of our transport.”

“Our business recommendation was based on being able to deliver both a cost and an environmental benefit” says Roger White, Business Improvement Manager at TDG. “We are committed to supporting ICI Paints AkzoNobel’s environment agenda – not only with these vehicles but our other initiatives too, such as recovery of cardboard and polythene waste.”

TDG was ICI Paints AkzoNobel’s Supplier of the Year for 2007.

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