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The 10 July SCALA consulting annual logistics debate was awash with takeover rumours and talk of retailer collaboration.

Held at Warwickshire’s Wroxall Abbey, the Pimms soon gave way to some hard talking, which isn't surprising taking into account soaring energy costs forcing directors to take a closer look at local distribution centres, rail and canal networks, new ports and teardrop-shaped vehicles.

Chaired by SCALA Managing Director John Perry the theme was 'Environmentally efficient supply chains – pipe dream or reality?'.

Steve Mulvey (Food Logistics Manager – Marks & Spencer plc), Trevor Ashworth (Director of Food & Retail Logistics – Co-operative Group), Paul Steedman (Senior Research Fellow – The Food Ethics Council), Malcolm Wilson (Managing Director UK Logistics – Norbert Dentressangle) all spoke cogently on altering infrastructures for a greener future.

People-centred improvements such as smaller vehicles for night-time deliveries through urban areas were also discussed. "The angry neighbour is your customer" was one of the reasons for change given by Trevor Ashworth.

Empty running should soon be a thing of the past, with eco-friendly logistics being not just a nice thing to do for the planet but an essential part of a profitable organisation.

Read the full comments from the speakers in the Expert Opinion section of the September 09 issue of Beverage Innovation magazine.