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Why is Local Sourcing so important to our future?
31 juillet 2023
Launched by the European Commission in 2019, the Green Deal defined how Europe could become the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050. The proposal includes a wide range of initiatives and policies to address climate change, promote sustainable growth, and encourage the transition to a circular economy. One aspect of the proposals was more local sourcing of vehicles in Europe – essentially manufacturing using components and materials sourced from within the European Union (EU) region. Addax is a firm believer in this approach, as it:
Reduces the carbon footprint:
By sourcing components and materials locally, manufacturers would significantly reduce the carbon emissions associated with transporting parts and equipment over long distances. The result: lower greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. This also aligns with the Green Deal’s objective of promoting sustainable practices.
Strengthens local economies:
Local sourcing also supports industries and suppliers within the EU. This helps in the creation and preservation of manufacturing jobs and related sectors, contributing to the overall economic growth of the region.
Builds supply chain resilience:
More reliance on local suppliers also enhances the resilience of the supply chain. In short, it reduces the risk of disruptions from external factors such as trade disputes, natural disasters, or global crises like the Covid-19 pandemic.
Encourages the circular economy:
By sourcing components locally, manufacturers can better manage the life cycle of vehicles, promote recycling, and reduce waste. In fact, local sourcing will promote Europe’s transition to a circular economy … this means resources are used more efficiently, waste is minimised, and products are designed for durability, reusability, and recyclability.
Addax supports local sourcing
For all of these reasons and more, Addax electric utility vehicles (EUVs) are produced in Belgium from locally sourced parts, often within a 30 km radius of the factory. Apart from the reasons cited above, it offers other benefits as well: it retains expertise in the country and brings jobs to the local economy. And as importantly, it also reassures customers that they have someone to talk to if ever they have a particular request or experience a problem they can’t solve. And where Addax finds it is necessary to source certain key parts abroad, efforts are made to reduce the carbon footprint of the transport, and increase the level of value added in Belgium.
Addax doesn’t only want to reduce carbon emissions during the running time of its vehicles – they are 100% electric after all – but wants to limit its emissions during manufacturing and supply. This is a major focus when choosing suppliers and sourcing parts.