GEODIS has introduced a new multimodal rail–road link for NAOS Group, a skincare products specialist, as part of efforts to improve the efficiency and resilience of the company's supply chain.
Since January, GEODIS has managed a multimodal rail‑road flow for NAOS, collecting goods in Neuville‑en‑Ferrain in northern France and trucking them to the multimodal platform in Dourges for onward transport.
From there, they travel by train to Avignon, before final delivery by truck to the NAOS logistics warehouse located in Port Saint Louis, in the south of France.
Representing nearly 300 full truckloads a year, the shipments — previously moved only by road — now shift to a multimodal setup that reduces the environmental impact of the route.
The model improves environmental performance while maintaining service quality, reliability and security.
"The shift to rail on the Dourges–Avignon route significantly reduces the transport's carbon footprint," GEODIS said in the announcement.
It added that a full truck carrying 15 tons of cargo generates around one ton of CO₂ compared to just a few dozen kilograms in a combined rail-road scheme.
"This new multimodal solution enables NAOS to reduce its CO₂ emissions by around 400 tons per year — the equivalent of more than that generated by a car circumnavigating the earth 46 times — if road transport was exclusively used," it added.
To ensure continuity and reliability of service, GEODIS said it utilizes secured containers for the full duration of the move; assigning dedicated drivers for both pickup and delivery operations. This approach ensures a high level of confidentiality and operational control, suited to the demands of the cosmetics sector.
Since 2022, GEODIS has been supporting NAOS in transforming and decarbonizing its total supply chain for distribution to market through a comprehensive and integrated offering, including centralized maritime transport for all group brands (Bioderma, Institut Esthederm, Etat Pur); international warehouse management; deployment of innovative, low-carbon land transport solutions; and expertise in customs issues.
"The collaboration with NAOS is part of a long-term commitment and marks a major step forward in our strategic partnership initiated in 2022, which is built on trust, innovation, and operational excellence. GEODIS' ambition is to support the transformation of NAOS' logistics master plan, both in Europe and around the globe. Together, we are developing innovative and responsible solutions, especially for new distribution projects, to build a supply chain that is ever more efficient and environmentally friendly," said Marc Vollet, managing director of European Road Network at GEODIS Group.
Stéphanie de La Fournière, global transport manager at NAOS Group, said the partnership with GEODIS is built on strong trust and close cooperation between the teams.
"Together, we are establishing a sustainable collaboration based on listening, reliability, and continuous innovation to optimize logistics performance and support the growth and strategic ambitions of NAOS," she said.
