For Movu, sustainability is more than just a word
A framework for sustainability
The UN has set 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which came into force on 1 January 2016 and will initially apply until 2030. These SDGs are intended to ensure sustainable development at economic, social and ecological levels worldwide.
From these goals, Movu has identified those that are particularly relevant to the company:
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Healthy lives for all: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all people of all ages.
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Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
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Sustainable and modern energy for all: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
Applied to Movu's business, this means that we focus primarily on occupational health and safety and reducing CO2 emissions.
This is set out in a framework programme that serves as a guideline for all activities in these areas.
How Movu is reducing its environmental footprint
In order to protect the natural environment, Movu is committed to continuously minimising the consumption of resources within the limits set for us; avoiding environmental pollution and using renewable energy wherever possible.
The basis for this is the systematic recording and analysis of energy consumption. As such, all types of energy (e.g. electricity, gas, oil, etc.) are recorded at all sites and analysed with regard to operational energy use. Energy indicators are defined in order to identify potential energy savings.
Our permanent goal is to significantly reduce gas consumption in the metal process. Movu Robotics, member of stow Group, can rely on the racking manufacturing expertise from stow to build its automated storage solutions. All the racks from Movu Atlas and Movu escala are provided by stow Group manufacturing entities, who apply specific measures in terms of sustainability. Thanks to their analyses, the ovens were optimally adjusted and the temperatures during painting were lowered. Chemicals and water are now heated significantly less than before. The result: by the end of 2023 gas consumption will be reduced significantly.
At the company headquarters, all company cars are gradually being replaced by electric cars; in production, only electric forklifts are used. This also contributes to improving the energy balance.
The switch to LED lighting, the purchase of efficient compressors and frequency-controlled pumps as well as other measures will lead to a reduction in electricity consumption of around five percent by the end of 2023.
In terms of waste disposal, one hundred percent of the chips produced during steel processing are recycled. The chemical residues can also be disposed of well, as they are not complex compounds and no solvents are used.
New environmentally friendly ways of transport
Where possible, stow Group is shifting steel deliveries to the waterways. Since 2023, metal coils are delivered from the ArcelorMittal plant near Ghent to Zwevegem and from there trucks are only used for the last mile.
Until now, the coils, each weighing 25 tonnes, were delivered exclusively by truck, as the production site in Spiere-Helkijn is not directly connected to a waterway network. After a thorough examination, it turned out that delivery by ship in combination with intermediate storage and final delivery by road is a sensible and sustainable alternative to pure road transport.
The load transported corresponds to the capacity of 53 lorries. Correspondingly less CO2 is emitted and the number of trucks on the roads is reduced.
Safe workplaces for safe products
For Movu, the safety and well-being of employees is an important concern. The measures for this are described in a management system for occupational safety and are consistently implemented. Through a variety of targeted measures, we work continuously to optimise occupational safety and also offer a comprehensive health programme.
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All employees receive regular training to increase their knowledge of occupational safety issues and to identify potential hazards at an early stage.
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Movu's occupational safety guidelines are communicated to all new employees when they are hired.
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Risk assessments are carried out for all workplaces and activities and documented accordingly. The risk assessments are reviewed at least once a year to ensure that they are up-to-date.
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Regular Occupational safety inspections, shelf inspections and instructions are carried out. In addition, regular meetings and workshops on occupational safety and the environment are held.
No slackening of efforts
Career opportunities
Work at Movu
Working at Movu is more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to be part of a fast-growing and innovative company. Through our hard work, perseverance and commitment we create cutting-edge automated products that will change the warehouse industry forever. Join us. Want to find out more?
