Sustainability | Active Ants

Energy-efficient robotics for sustainable fulfilment

At Active Ants, we have designed our fulfilment process to be as efficient and sustainable as possible, integrating advanced robotics into our operations. Our AutoStore system optimizes storage by stacking bins both horizontally and vertically, while smart warehouse robots move across the grid to pick orders with speed and precision. This system offers multiple benefits:

Space-Saving: Our warehouses use up to six times less space than traditional rack storage, resulting in lower energy consumption and more efficient operations.
Energy-efficient robots: Ten warehouse robots consume as much energy as just one vacuum cleaner.
Optimized packaging:
- Our automated packaging machines adjust box sizes to the contents, eliminating the need for filler material.
- We minimize empty space in shipments (by 40%), significantly reducing CO₂ emissions.
Reduced power consumption: Robots re-use their own energy, significantly cutting down overall electricity use.

Our net-zero ambition

bpostgroup, which Active Ants is part of, is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2040, contributing to a more sustainable future. This shared long-term ambition encourages us to accelerate our efforts to decarbonize the e-commerce supply chain, re-use and re-cycle packaging as part of a circular economy.

Our approach can be summed up in the following medium-term targets. Reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions with 55% by 2030:

100% zero emission last-mile deliveries
100% green electricity
100% recyclable or re-usable packaging
100% of new company cars zero-emission

Our achievements in figures

10.8%

reduction in C02 emissions scope 1 and 2 vs. 2022

22%

Emission- free last mile delivery in Belgium

41%

Renewable electricity consumed

81.9%

Recycled content in sold packaging

Sustainable fulfilment center

The Active Ants UK fulfilment center in Northampton is A++ rated and, like our warehouse in Roosendaal, has received the ‘Outstanding’ BREEAM certification—the highest sustainability label for buildings with minimal environmental impact. More than 50% of its electricity is generated by solar panels, and all processes are designed to eliminate waste. Additionally, energy-efficient LED lighting is used in all our warehouses, further reducing our environmental footprint.

FSC-certified cardboard

The cardboard used for Active Ants packaging is FSC-certified, ensuring compliance with strict standards for sustainable and socially responsible forest management.

For example, FSC-certified forests follow a replanting policy, meaning no more trees are cut down than are planted. Additionally, the certification guarantees fair wages and good working conditions for workers in these forests.

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