Logistics and Supply Chain students awarded prize in Finland

A group of Transport, Logistics and Supply Chain students were selected to represent the university at this year’s International Sustainable Logistics Conference, hosted by JAMK University of Applied Sciences, Jyväskylä, Finland.

The conference offered students a fantastic opportunity to enhance their knowledge and understanding of sustainable logistics and supply chain management, from both a domestic and a European perspective, to work with other international students on group activities, and to develop a greater understanding of different cultures.

The conference theme was based on UN sustainable goals 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure) and 12 (Responsible consumption and production). Student groups from The Netherlands, Belgium, Finland and Huddersfield undertook research and presented examples of how companies from their home countries are working towards the promotion of a circular bioeconomy through innovative practices and ideas. We were extremely pleased that the University of Huddersfield team won the award for the best student presentation.

The group project was really interesting and made me think from a different perspective about the challenges companies face and what they are doing to become more sustainable. I am really proud that our group brought home the trophy!

Rasa Savickaite – year 2, Transport & Logistics Management.

Finland was a perfect location for gaining an understanding of the use of natural resources in the creation of bioproducts. 75% of Finland is forest and the conference focussed on how one company is driving the increasing use of wood as a sustainable material for producing products and energy. A site visit to Metsä Group, which provides wood products, pulp, fresh fibre paperboards, tissue, cooking papers, wood supply and forest services, gave an insight into their sustainable forest practices and the processes for converting wood into pulp. Students were tasked with proposing innovative ideas for reducing or eliminating empty return legs on the transportation of wood pulp to the port. This generated some interesting ideas and prompted the group to consider some of the issues facing a major company in seeking to become more sustainable.

Opportunities for immersion into Finnish cultural activities following a busy day of conference proceedings included a trip to a sauna, ice cold lake dipping, snow-shoeing, sledging, and enjoying the outdoors.

It was great to meet students from across Europe, and was very interesting to hear and share knowledge and understanding of sustainable logistics. Further, I thoroughly enjoyed the cultural activities provided by the host country. One thing I have learnt from the trip is to take every opportunity given and not be afraid to try something new.

Tommy Collier-Robbins, year 2, Logistics & Supply Chain Management.

The University of Huddersfield is a founding member of the International Sustainable Logistics Conference network. Led by Christine Jordan and supported by Sahar Validi, they have been working with international partners for 10 years to bring together students, academics and the industry to share good practice and to enhance our understanding of sustainability issues in the international context. Another successful International Sustainable Logistics conference was enjoyed by all, and has contributed towards adding value to the student experience.