Dematic Multishuttle® 2 Achieves Bronze Cradle to Cradle Certification for Sustainability

Dematic's Multishuttle® 2 Achieves Bronze Certification

In a landmark moment for the logistics industry, Dematic, a global leader in supply chain automation, has officially announced that its Multishuttle® 2 system is the first in the industry to achieve the prestigious Cradle to Cradle Certified® Bronze status. This certification represents a milestone in the development of sustainable and eco-friendly technologies, underscoring the importance of ethical production and innovative design in the material handling sector.

The Cradle to Cradle certification is endorsed by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute and involves a rigorous assessment process. This ensures that products not only comply with environmental standards but also embody principles of safety, recyclability, renewable energy usage, and social responsibility. The recent certification highlights the progress being made toward integrated sustainability measures within the material handling and logistics fields.

Chris Steiner, the Senior Vice President of Product Management at Dematic, expressed pride in this achievement. He stated, “The Dematic Multishuttle 2 has been an essential part of our customer operations over the past two decades. This distinction underscores our commitment to sustainable innovation across our entire supply chain, bringing with it a responsibility to seek further improvements in our production systems.”

A Game-Changer in Automated Storage

Since its market launch in 2006, the Dematic Multishuttle 2 has transformed operations by optimizing how inventory is stored, buffered, consolidated, and sequenced. This high-speed automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) has significantly increased storage density while facilitating more efficient logistics. By embracing the principles of Industry 4.0, the Multishuttle 2 has established itself as a crucial element of Dematic’s automation portfolio.

Achieving Cradle to Cradle Certified Bronze status means the Multishuttle 2 satisfies comprehensive standards that assess material health, recyclability, and the ethical nature of operations throughout its supply chain. Suppliers of the components used in the Multishuttle 2 were held to the same rigorous evaluation processes, reinforcing the commitment to transparency and responsibility throughout the supply chain.

Dr. Annette Winterl, the project lead for EPEA (an organization involved in the certification's assessment) noted, “From an evaluation standpoint, the Dematic Multishuttle 2 project has been technically demanding and highly interesting. With hundreds of components and a broad supplier network, it is among the most complex products we have ever evaluated.”

She emphasized that such achievements demonstrate that companies can drive innovation while adopting responsible material choices. The approach embodies a forward-thinking mindset, prioritizing both sustainability and performance in modern logistics.

Continuous Improvement Ahead

The Cradle to Cradle Certified Bronze designation is specific to Multishuttle 2 systems produced at Dematic's facility in Stříbro, Czech Republic, and is valid until June 2028. Susanne Felker, the research engineer involved with the project, remarked, “The Dematic Multishuttle 2 demonstrates a very high material reuse rate — but we have identified areas of opportunity to go further. Achieving this C2C certification marks the beginning of a continuous technology improvement journey that we aim to expand upon.”

To gain deeper insights into Dematic’s comprehensive approach to circularity and sustainability, interested parties are encouraged to read the company’s 2024 Annual Sustainability Report. The report outlines their goals and achievements in supporting eco-friendly practices across the supply chain.

In conclusion, Dematic’s continued focus on sustainability and innovation, particularly with the Multishuttle 2, signifies a pivotal move towards a more responsible and efficient future in supply chain operations. As industries evolve, so too does the technology designed to support them, ensuring that sustainability remains a priority in all aspects of production and logistics. For more information about Dematic, visit their official website or follow them on social media channels including LinkedIn and Facebook.