Trade Fairs ICT&Logistiek and Logistica Next at Koninklijke Jaarbeurs from November 5 to 7, 2024
Utrecht, October 4, 2024 – In the run-up to the trade fairs ICT&Logistiek and Logistica Next, zero-emission urban logistics is a key topic. Starting in 2025, at least 25 municipalities in the Netherlands will introduce zero-emission zones for urban logistics. Corien den Ouden, trade fair manager: “This subject is crucial for the future of urban distribution and will be a central theme during our logistics trade fairs. Experts, such as the renowned urban logistics professor Walther Ploos van Amstel and policymakers from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, will discuss the opportunities and challenges for both entrepreneurs and residents during the fairs.” ICT&Logistiek and Logistica Next will take place from November 5 to 7, 2024 at Koninklijke Jaarbeurs.
Urgency: The time of pioneers is over
The introduction of zero-emission zones in cities means that only vehicles that produce no emissions, such as electric trucks and cargo bikes, will have access to these zones. Walther Ploos van Amstel: “It has been known for years that the logistics sector needs to switch to sustainable mobility. Reducing emissions and optimizing energy consumption can lead to long-term cost savings and are important for both the environment and the future of the sector. However, entrepreneurs are often unaware of the potential consequences of the implementation of zero-emission zones. Some entrepreneurs are burying their heads in the sand. The time of pioneers in this area is truly over. Everyone must step up.”
Biggest concern: entrepreneurs sometimes oversimplify
During the trade fairs, Professor Walther Ploos van Amstel will address the necessity of smart urban planning, the integration of electric vehicles and hydrogen technology, and the possibilities of emission-free ‘last-mile’ logistics. “The city of the future is a city without CO2 emissions. The technology is available, but now we must accelerate its implementation, and all entrepreneurs in many city centers in the Netherlands need to get to work. My biggest concern is that many entrepreneurs sometimes think too simplistically. We are now discovering that the introduction of zero-emission zones is far more complicated. Many entrepreneurs only focus on the vehicle and not, for example, on the charging infrastructure, financing, drivers, and outsourcing a logistics concept,” says Walther Ploos van Amstel.
Physical meetings are a crucial start for achieving transition and innovation
Walther Ploos van Amstel advocates for a joint effort by businesses, governments, and consumers. “The government has a regulatory role in this and must stimulate, facilitate, experiment, and coordinate. Providing good traffic data is essential in this regard.” Tobia Potters, senior advisor at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management: “The ministry is working on competitive, safe, efficient, resilient, and sustainable multimodal freight transport. Digitalization and stronger digital collaboration in logistics chains are essential for this. It starts with cooperation between the responsible parties: we as the government, and you as businesses. At the fair, we are eager to engage with entrepreneurs about how this collaboration can take shape. We will present stories to inspire entrepreneurs and also invite them to collaborate on specific projects. Physical meetings are a crucial start for realizing innovation. That is why we are facilitating a meeting place at ICT&Logistiek: the ‘Networking Foyer IenW & Friends,’ where we would love to hear your experiences. What are your thoughts on the digital transition? What’s the next step?”
About ICT&Logistiek and Logistica Next
From November 5 to 7, 2024, the trade fairs ICT&Logistiek and Logistica Next will take place at Koninklijke Jaarbeurs. Thousands of decision-makers, experts, keynote speakers, and influencers will come together to share knowledge and find concrete solutions to the challenges of today and tomorrow. “The future starts here!” The trade fairs are held simultaneously; digitalization, robotics, and data-driven solutions are the trends in (intra) logistics. The effects of these are visible in every warehouse: using technology, energy, space, and people smartly. For more information, participants, and themes, visit: ict-en-logistiek.nl and logistica-next.nl.
