Nestlé Purina products were part of a first of its kind rail trial delivery to Tesco this month. The range of Purina products, including pet favourites like Felix and Gourmet pouches, were delivered in a rail container which facilitates double-stacked pallets. The trial saw double-stacked Purina products travel on rail from Hams Hall Distribution Park, in North Warwickshire, to the Tesco Thurrock distribution centre.

The advanced rail container utilises a roof raising mechanism, allowing the Purina range to be double-stacked from floor to ceiling operating at full capacity before the roof is lowered for transit. This means it’s easier to carry up to double the amount of product compared to other container types. 

According to the Rail Delivery Group, each freight train has the potential to take up to 76 heavy goods vehicles off the roads and one tonne of products moved by a rail journey produces 76% less emissions than a diesel road journey].

The container has been in development for two years and the aim is to now refine it for future delivery opportunities by this method to contribute to a greener distribution strategy. In 2022, Nestlé announced its plans to increase freight capacity on trains as part of its commitment to reducing environmental impact.  

Nestlé UK and Ireland is passionate about finding a solution to double-stack product successfully on rail freight and this trial is a core part of that journey. The success of this trial will allow the company to grow its rail freight volume and support its drive to reduce CO² and its reliance on diesel road freight.

Niall McCarthy, Rail Development and Delivery Manager, at Nestlé UK and Ireland, said: “This trial marks an important development in Nestlé’s commitment to halve its emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. This initial trial will help launch stronger supply chain resilience and reduce carbon emissions in the Nestlé UK and Ireland network. Furthermore, we are proud to deliver to Tesco on this trial, a customer of ours who has been on rail since 2008.” 

Nestlé partnered with Bootle Containers, and Marine Container Test Services to design and build the container. Trials have been carried out in partnership with Network Rail, Forth Ports, W H Malcolm Group and Direct Rail Services. Following the success of this trial movement Nestlé will now look to develop a strategy to expand and refine opportunities to deliver goods by this method. 

Purina is committed to improving the lives of pets and people, and along with its parent company Nestlé, aims to enhance and contribute to a healthier future for the planet. As part of this, Purina is committed to reducing its long-term environmental impact as it works towards its ‘Net Zero by 2050’ target.