Glass container manufacturer Encirc has successfully trialled rail transport of finished bottles at its Elton site in Cheshire, UK. Encirc aims to create the most sustainable national drinks supply chain in the UK and reducing emissions from distribution is a key part of this.
Encirc has already used the Elton railhead to deliver raw materials and recycled glass for its production process, but has now carried out three successful trials over the last two years to test a workable framework for its rail transport network. Supported by WH Malcolm, MDS Transmodal, and Cheshire West Council, Encirc began the trials in 2022 with the successful delivery of spirits bottles to a customer in Scotland. The most recent transport of bottles was to Encirc's newly acquired bottling facility, 'The Park' in Bristol. Encirc has now identified the potential benefits of using its Elton railhead to create a sustainable glass transport network across the UK.
Encirc recognizes that not all of its customers have the capacity to receive deliveries by rail. However, Encirc is moving towards intermodal transport, where at least part of the journey is made by rail, rather than relying solely on road transport.
“The potential benefits offered by our Elton railhead are significant. A tonne of freight transported by rail produces 76% fewer carbon emissions compared with road haulage, so developing our rail capacity across the UK will enable us to vastly reduce our own carbon footprint and that of our partners,” said Adrian Curry, Managing Director of Encirc.
