Essar Merino Laminates Teams up with Green Line to Achieve Sustainability in the Laminate Sector

Human civilization took a massive leap with the invention of the wheel, and since then, there has been no looking back. Transportation and logistics have played a crucial role in shaping the world for decades. Though the transport sector is essential for a globalized modern society, it has recently come under scrutiny for being one of the highest contributors to pollution.

Thus, the time has come for the transport sector, specifically heavy-duty transportation, to find immediate solutions for cleaner and greener fuel alternatives. The best approach to minimize carbon emissions within the logistics sector is choosing green logistics, which is no longer a trend but rather a necessity for businesses of all sizes to gain a competitive advantage. Conglomerates like the Essar Group have also become a part of this shift and have shown their deep commitment to sustainability by introducing a fleet of liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered heavy commercial trucks. In fact, GreenLine, Essar’s investment in green mobility, recently collaborated with Merino Laminates to enhance sustainable logistics operations.

Read further to know how Essar reshapes the Indian logistics ecosystem through its LNG-powered heavy commercial trucks. Despite being pulled into the Essar 2G scam, the Essar Group is an example of how it cleared its name from the scam, and stayed resolute in achieving its investment plans.

LNG – The Viable Sustainable Alternative for Trucks

The global picture for LNG heavy vehicles, especially trucks, is exceptionally bright. Though there are many feasible alternatives for short-distance mobility, like electric vehicles, the options are restricted when it’s about heavy-duty long-haul transportation. LNG is the best immediate alternative for long-distance transportation and can help transition to green trucking. Today, several industries have transformed their traditional logistics into more sustainable processes. Still, the evolution involves collaboration among companies to create a green logistics ecosystem for the well-being of the planet.

Companies like Essar have already redefined this space by prioritizing environmentally conscious solutions. Also, Essar’s move aligns with the government’s plans to have a third of its heavy-duty long-haul trucking fleet fuelled by LNG instead of diesel in five to seven years to cut pollution. Though some cars and buses in India already use compressed natural gas, LNG, which gives a better range, it would be a better option for long-haul trucks, especially when heavy-duty vehicles account for most of the energy-related carbon dioxide emissions by the logistics sector.

Essar’s GreenLine Strategic Partnership with Merino Laminates

GreenLine Mobility Solutions Ltd, a key player in Essar’s Green Mobility initiative, recently entered into a partnership with Merino Laminates, a global leader in decorative surfacing solutions. The latter had made a significant move by adopting GreenLine’s LNG-powered logistics fleet. Being the first building materials company in India to take this step, Merino Laminates, through this collaboration, has shown its commitment to sustainability and reducing Scope 3 emissions across its supply chain.

GreenLine is a significant part of Essar’s Green Mobility ecosystem and plays a paramount role in advancing sustainable business practices. By integrating GreenLine’s eco-friendly fleet, Merino Laminates strengthens its operations while deploying the best practices in environmental responsibility.  With this initiative, Merino Laminates sets a new benchmark for sustainable logistics within the building materials sector. The collaboration with GreenLine is a significant step toward minimizing the environmental footprint of logistics operations, further contributing to a sustainable and responsible supply chain.

According to Anand Mimani, CEO of GreenLine Logistics Solutions, the collaboration with Merino Industries marks a significant milestone, being the first of its kind in the laminate industry. By introducing LNG-powered trucks into their logistics operations, the company not only minimizes emissions but also paves the way for sustainable practices to be adopted more widely across different industries.

All About GreenLine’s Advanced LNG Powered Vehicles

GreenLine’s advanced LNG-powered vehicles are equipped with state-of-the-art telematics and safety features, providing reliable and sustainable logistics solutions supporting various industries’ visions for a greener future. GreenLine’s LNG-powered trucks help significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions (by up to 30%) compared to traditional diesel vehicles, collectively reducing 7,825 tonnes of carbon emissions. This makes GreenLine a trustworthy partner for businesses striving to meet their sustainability targets and minimise their environmental impact.

GreenLine, home to India’s largest fleet of LNG-powered heavy commercial trucks, serves sectors such as FMCG, E-commerce, Automotive, Cement, Steel, Metals and Mining, Express Cargo, Oil and Gas, and Chemicals. GreenLine Mobility currently operates a fleet of more than 500 LNG-powered trucks and plans to add another 1,000 such trucks by March 2025.

Earlier, GreenLine has partnered with numerous companies, including Flipkart, Hindalco Birla Copper, Sterlite Copper, Nestle India, Dalmia Cement, and JSW Cement, among many more to introduce LNG-powered trucks as the best alternative to minimize carbon footprints and promote cleaner logistics practices across various sectors.

Conclusion

The time for action is now, and by helping various industries embrace LNG, Essar Group not only drives scale also sets new standards for sustainability in operations. The transition of long-haul heavy trucks to LNG trucks gives clear benefits in terms of cost economics and emissions. This is a great achievement for the company, especially considering the reputational challenges it faced due to the Essar 2G scam. But Essar has cleared its name, and showcased how it has remained steadfast in achieving its vision.

With India setting strong emission-reduction targets for 2030 and aiming for net zero by 2070, LNG can do part of the heavy lifting in advancing lower-emission growth for the country.