Green in more ways than one
Combilift is demonstrating a commitment to sustainability through the development of electric trucks and in greener production processes.
Combilift’s original green corporate colour was a reflection of the company’s Irish roots, and has become globally synonymous with the brand since it was established just over 25 years ago.
It has also recently introduced its new vibrant, eco hi-vis green colour which ensures excellent truck visibility in all conditions (but of course Combilift customers don’t have to stick to green paintwork!).
Green nowadays is more than just a colour, and companies across pretty much every industry are striving to prove their credentials when it comes to being environmentally friendly. Equipment and vehicle manufacturers are no exception, and Combilift’s products have sustainability at their core as they are designed to maximise efficiency, storage capacity and improve safety.
The company’s multidirectional ‘3 in 1’ forklifts, for example, replace a number of other types of trucks to significantly reduce the size of fleet required.
According to Combilift, their ability to work in narrow confines when carrying long loads can create up to 50% more space, avoiding the need for carbon-intensive warehouse capacity increases in times of company growth.
It also means lower energy consumption for utilities such as heating and lighting.
As an exporter to 85 countries, Combilift has witnessed the increasing pace of the shift to electric power. Whereas diesel was the predominant choice when its first trucks were manufactured in 1998, this is no longer the case. Combilift’s CEO and co-founder, Martin McVicar, said: “We launched our first electric C-Series model over 18 years ago, and now more than 70% of the trucks that come off the production lines in Monaghan are electric, reflecting growing demand for equipment which reduces the carbon footprint.”
Improvements in battery technology have enabled Combilift to develop ever increasing lift capacities (Combilift C-Series electric models go up to 14t), longer run times, rapid opportune charging and longer operation per charge.
Its electric trucks are now said to be on a par with diesel powered ones so companies choosing electric can be confident of excellent performance and productivity combined with quiet, emission-free operation that benefits the workforce, visitors, neighbours and the environment in general.
At the moment Combilift electric trucks are fitted primarily with lead acid batteries, but can all be supplied with a lithium option should the customer so wish. The reason for this, says Combilift, is the difficulty of recycling lithium batteries, which is currently far inferior to lead-acid batteries.
When Combilift began construction of its 46,000m² new global manufacturing facility in 2015, it aimed to incorporate the most innovative and sustainable manufacturing processes. Local suppliers were used wherever possible for raw materials to minimise transport miles, and a large proportion of annual procurement is sourced within Ireland, to support the local economy.
30% of roof space is covered in skylights, enabling staff to work in a natural daylight environment and when artificial lighting is required it is supplied by LED lights with PIR sensors. A 1Mw biomass boiler provides heating for paint spray ovens and assembly lines, fuelled by supplier pallets. A 110,000-litre rain harvest tank collects and stores rainwater which is used for jet washing and bathroom facilities.
Combilift has switched to water-based paints for its products, developed specifically for the company, which have 74% fewer VOCs than regular solvent-based paints.
Further statistics demonstrate the company’s commitment to recycling and reusing materials to conserve natural resources. 92% of all components used in the truck assembly are 100% recyclable; 90% of the electric trucks’ batteries are recycled, and Combilift is on track to save over 473 tons of CO2 by using carbon neutral wood chip instead of gas for heating within the factory.
Martin concluded: “In our 25th anniversary year in 2024, we added four new electric models to our portfolio, and as more and more of our customers are opting for electric power it is obvious that they are as committed to sustainability and a circular economy as we are.”