Sanders|Fritom Achieves Fourth Lean & Green Star

Sanders|Fritom has been awarded its fourth Lean & Green Star, placing the company among a select group of industry leaders that not only achieve substantial CO₂ reductions but can also demonstrate these results with the highest level of data transparency. This recognition marks a significant milestone within the company’s sustainability programme, Fueled to Sustain.

The fourth Lean & Green Star is reserved exclusively for organisations that can demonstrate a minimum CO₂ reduction of 55% before 2030. This reduction must be achieved across at least 85% of all logistics activities. For Sanders|Fritom, the certification confirms that its strategy towards a zero-emission operation is delivering tangible results.

Data-Driven Sustainability in Line with ISO 14083

What sets the fourth star apart from previous levels is the strict requirement for high-quality emissions data. Sanders|Fritom works with fully validated emissions data in accordance with the ISO 14083 methodology, enabling the company to accurately measure the climate impact of every shipment.

“Achieving the fourth star requires more than technical improvements; it demands an integrated, data-driven approach,” says Saskia Wiersma, Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (QHSE) Coordinator at Sanders|Fritom. “By monitoring and reporting our emissions in line with the latest ISO standards, we provide our customers with complete transparency. We can demonstrate exactly what our sustainability initiatives deliver over any given period and identify where proactive adjustments are needed. In a market that increasingly values transparency, this is an essential foundation.”

Fueled to Sustain: A Comprehensive Sustainability Strategy

The certification is a key component of Fueled to Sustain, the programme through which Sanders|Fritom is transforming its logistics operations to minimise environmental impact while maximising transparency.

The results are visible throughout the entire supply chain. The company’s complete Euro 6 fleet now operates on HVO100 renewable diesel, delivering an immediate and significant reduction in CO₂ emissions. In addition, its headquarters in Uden has been developed to the BREEAM-NL Excellent standard. The new warehouse is fully gas-free, equipped with advanced heat pump technology, and generates its own renewable energy through a large-scale rooftop solar installation.

The facility has also been designed to promote a healthy indoor environment, with abundant natural daylight contributing directly to employee wellbeing.

Putting People at the Heart of Logistics

Through Fueled to Sustain, Sanders|Fritom deliberately looks beyond technology and environmental metrics alone. The programme integrates sustainability with social responsibility—the “S” in ESG.

This commitment is reflected in extensive employee wellbeing initiatives, continuous training and development programmes, and a strong focus on workplace safety. The company also makes ongoing investments in social and community projects throughout the region.

Saskia adds:

“Responsible business practices do not stop at reducing emissions or improving the energy performance of our buildings. Future-proof logistics is equally about people—ensuring they remain healthy, skilled and engaged. They are the ones who bring our strategy to life every day and uphold the quality standards that our customers and future generations depend on.”

Looking Ahead

By achieving its fourth Lean & Green Star, Sanders|Fritom now meets the highest standards within the Lean & Green programme. The certification provides customers and partners with the assurance that they are working with an organisation that makes a measurable contribution to global climate objectives.

Building on this milestone, Sanders|Fritom will continue to invest in innovation and collaboration to further reduce its environmental impact, including the deployment of Longer and Heavier Vehicle (LHV) combinations and the expansion of its electric vehicle fleet.