Enter: EcoFlex

When operating reachstackers and other machines, sustainability is clearly an important issue. Many machines now feature an ‘Eco’ setting that allows for greener operations. But what if you could save on your machine rental costs by opting for Eco mode? 

Kalmar is launching a brand new EcoFlex rental solution to achieve just that goal. The idea is to inspire and support – through transparency and conscious effort – to move towards more sustainable operations.  

“We are the first to do this fully digitalised and transparently in our industry.”

Svante Alverönn, VP Service Solutions, Kalmar Mobile Solutions Services, explains that for some time now, drivers have been able to choose Eco mode, Standard mode or Power mode with Kalmar Equipment. Moving from Eco to Standard to Power means increasing fuel or energy consumption, with each step resulting in greater CO2 emissions. 

“In order to address this, we developed a system where you get an immediate benefit -- paying less when you use Eco mode.”  Alverönn adds that this solution is unique in the industry.

“We are the first to do this fully digitalised and transparently in our industry.” The achieved energy savings is about 10-20% when you choose Eco mode instead of Standard or Power. 

All you need is Eco 

This is how it works: EcoFlex is a rental solution where customers are charged based on their operating behaviour and level of eco-efficiency. When operating fully in Eco mode, customers have a fixed monthly fee for their cargo handling. However, when they “stray” and use the standard and power modes, an additional hourly fee is added to the bill.

Alverönn points out that there is a rather common perception in operations that productivity will improve the faster you drive and the more power you add. This ‘full throttle’ approach, however, is not as effective as you might think.

“Our data has shown that in an average reachstacker operation one will be able to achieve the same number of moves in Eco mode as in power mode while creating a safer working environment and lowering the CO2 emissions,” he says. 

Eco mode, for example, allows you to drive only 22 km/h, while the other modes go up to 26 km/h. However, the data show that this speed advantage is negated in a normal logistics and industrial environment where at times you may have to wait.

"We offer a sustainable choice that still comes with full flexibility in power usage – you just pay less and lower your emissions if you choose to drive in Eco mode."

Make data work for you   

Alverönn says, “Collecting and harnessing data is a big part of the whole equation. The entire process is presented in a digital, transparent interface in MyKalmar customer portal. By using the MyKalmar portal, customers can monitor operational behaviour and power usage per month. This way, you can inspire customers to seek sustainability and enable it, too.”

According to Alverönn, EcoFlex rental solutions put the customer in the driver’s seat, providing them with a valuable tool that helps them meet their own sustainability targets. 

“Basically, we offer a sustainable choice that still comes with full flexibility in power usage – you just pay less and lower your emissions if you choose to drive in Eco mode,” he sums up. 

Listen to the customer

As one of the innovators of the new solution, Alverönn says that EcoFlex came together pretty quickly. The company already had the required capabilities – all that remained was to design a package that suited the rental market. The customers’ wishes for improved sustainability were a major driver in developing EcoFlex.       

“From the start, we were aware of the customers’ wishes for lowering OPEX, having transparency and starting the journey to lower CO2 emissions immediately. With EcoFlex, we are really delivering on these issues.”

Watch our Green Chair video to learn more about EcoFlex from our expert.