In the rapidly evolving warehousing and logistics industry, sustainability is reshaping practices to enhance efficiency and promote a greener future. Material handling equipment, crucial for smooth operations, consumes significant energy and produces waste and emissions, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices.

Alarmingly, warehouse activities contribute up to 11% of the logistics sector's greenhouse gas emissions, signalling the necessity to integrate eco-friendly technologies and innovative solutions while maintaining productivity and efficiency. 

As a leader in material handling and warehousing equipment, CFAO Equipment SA, the distributor of Toyota Material Handling equipment, understands the critical need for continuous innovation as the industry steers toward sustainability and seeks to meet the evolving demands of modern logistics.

Stephen Mostert, National Technical Manager at CFAO Equipment SA, emphasises that along its 40-year history in South Africa, Toyota Material Handling has consistently been at the cutting edge of technological advancement, delivering solutions that surpass merely completing operational tasks.

“Beyond the sale and rental of forklifts and warehousing equipment, Toyota Material Handling places the needs of its customers first. This is evident through the development of state-of-the-art equipment and systems that optimise operations, reduce downtime and enhance overall performance, ensuring both efficiency and environmental responsibility.”

From intelligent fleet management systems to energy-efficient power solutions, the company ensures that its customers not only meet their operational sustainability goals, but exceed them.

Going green begins at production

Boasting ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications for equipment manufactured at the company’s Takahama plant in Japan, the production of Toyota Material Handling equipment is a process centred on a culturally shared responsibility to the environment.

“The production of all Toyota Material Handling products uses powder coating with single-coat painting for frames, reducing organic compound emissions, ensuring rust resistance and achieving a high-quality finish without an undercoat. This eco-friendly approach lowers volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and waste, promoting sustainability,” explains Mostert.

The company is leading the shift towards sustainability by offering electric machines to meet modern environmental standards. Electric equipment provides superior efficiency, lower maintenance costs, reduced maintenance needs and zero emissions, perfectly aligning with sustainability goals while enhancing operational productivity. Furthermore, instead of discarding warehouse equipment at the end of its lifecycle, Toyota Material Handling can refurbish it for customers, significantly reducing waste and driving sustainability in the industry.

Optimising condensed warehouse space

Expanding warehouse space is costly, whereas condensed storage optimises existing areas with closely spaced racking and increased vertical storage. This reduces the need for new construction, lowers energy consumption, and minimises waste.

However, to realise true efficiency and drive operational productivity, condensed warehouses require equipment solutions that meet the challenges of the modern logistics environment.

“To meet these demands, Toyota Material Handling uses semi-automated shuttles in high-density storage facilities to store and retrieve palletised goods. Equipment solutions like shuttles and Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) trucks are designed with space constraints in mind, enabling operators to maximise productivity without sacrificing safety,” adds Mostert.

Smart tech for sustainable efficiency

At Toyota Material Handling, safety and innovation are top priorities. Its VNA trucks are equipped with camera systems on both the truck forks and the truck itself. Combined with screen and laser technology, these features allow operators to accurately position the forks into a pallet at heights exceeding 17 meters, ensuring that products remain undamaged and the pallet stays stable.

“Toyota Material Handling warehouse equipment includes the patented I_Site fleet management tool that utilises data to measure, analyse and maximise the performance and efficiency of each connected machine,” says Mostert. “Besides bolstering safety and productivity, the tool allows customers to use smart connected forklift trucks in the most sustainable way, resulting in extended battery lives, lower C02 emissions and prolonged machine lifespan.”

Amping up sustainability with lithium-ion

Toyota Material Handling is leading the shift from traditional lead-acid batteries to advanced lithium-ion technology in warehouse operations. Lithium-ion batteries offer an extended lifespan, faster charging and reduced maintenance compared to lead-acid alternatives. They also enhance safety, reduce hazardous waste and lower energy consumption, reinforcing Toyota's commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency in material handling.

"Using a Battery Status Indicator (BSI) system, we can monitor battery lifespan and performance. Remarkably, we saw a battery which we installed over four years ago in a machine still retaining 90% of its life," explains Mostert.

From cutting carbon emissions to optimising resource use, the warehousing and logistics industry is shifting towards greater sustainability. Embracing innovative technologies that foster eco-conscious supply chain management not only addresses environmental concerns, but also offers long-term economic benefits.

By partnering with suppliers like Toyota Material Handling, businesses can reduce waste, extend equipment life cycles and achieve both environmental and economic advantages.