Limburg Companies Opt for Sustainable Logistics
BergHOFF Worldwide is reducing its CO₂ emissions by 55% by switching to inland shipping. The Limburg-based cookware company now transports the majority of its containers not via the E313 motorway, but through the Albert Canal – saving 25,000 kilometers on the road. Companies such as WEBA, Tribù, and Balak Coatings are also making the modal shift today. This transition is the result of a concrete collaboration between POM Limburg and Multimodaal.Vlaanderen.
Together with POM Limburg, Multimodaal.Vlaanderen guides companies through every step of the modal shift: from a thorough analysis of current goods flows to exploring concrete alternatives via rail or inland waterways. Thanks to their expertise, companies receive independent, tailored advice, including feasibility studies, cost estimates, and support during implementation.
BergHOFF’s decision was not made lightly. The company, which has long invested in circular products and recyclable packaging, wanted to extend its sustainability efforts throughout the entire chain. “In our sustainability approach, we are constantly looking at where we can make a real impact – and logistics is a key part of that,” says Nancy Smolenaers, COO of BergHOFF Worldwide. “When we saw the numbers in black and white – 55% fewer emissions, no additional costs, and a stable route via the terminal in Meerhout – we knew there was no reason not to do it. It’s an efficient choice that fits perfectly with our way of working.”
Just Do It
“What BergHOFF is doing is simple and effective,” says Tom Vandeput, Deputy for Economy and Chair of POM Limburg. “They’re taking thousands of trucks off the road and drastically cutting their CO₂ emissions, without any extra costs. Companies like this are not only showing what’s possible – they’re simply doing it. As a province, we want to strengthen and scale up this approach – because this is the way forward.”
Since the end of 2024, about 80% of BergHOFF’s containers from the port of Antwerp have been arriving by inland vessel. “We started with a test, but after three months we already knew: this just works. In terms of timing and cost, it’s on par with road transport, but the ecological benefit is enormous. And that fits perfectly into our sustainability strategy,” Smolenaers adds.
From Intention to Implementation
At Multimodaal.Vlaanderen, they’re also seeing how this ‘green shift’ quickly translates into action. More and more companies are reaching out with the same question: how can we make our logistics more sustainable without compromising on cost or reliability? That question surprisingly often leads to concrete results.
“Companies like BergHOFF show that sustainable transport is no longer just a theoretical concept,” says Filip Van Hulle, manager at Multimodaal.Vlaanderen. “It’s technically feasible, economically viable, and strategically smart. Companies that aren’t exploring rail or water options today will be left behind tomorrow.” According to Van Hulle, the strength of multimodal transport lies in its tailor-made solutions: “There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but there is almost always a workable alternative for those willing to look at their logistics differently.”
Limburg Pioneers Choose Water (and Rail)
The growing number of companies making the shift is also evidenced by other Limburg-based examples. Furniture retailer WEBA recently began transporting containers to its Tongeren location via the Port of Genk, as part of a broader sustainability policy. Outdoor furniture manufacturer Tribù also switched to inland shipping and halved its emissions. Their products now reach Genk via the Albert Canal. Balak Coatings sends deliveries to Italy mainly by rail, which not only saves CO₂ but also reduces dependence on congested highways.
