Beyond the Product: Our Sustainable Freight Strategy

04.14.2026 | Belle Glade, Fla.
Beyond the product

Beyond the Product: Our Sustainable Freight Strategy

At Tellus, our dedication to the environment extends beyond our plant-fiber based tableware and foodservice products. We believe environmental responsibility means examining every step of our supply chain, including how our products travel to you. That is why we have developed a comprehensive freight strategy centered on a valued relationship with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay Program.

This carrier partnership helps us optimize transportation efficiency and reduce our carbon footprint. By participating in this voluntary program, we are reinforcing our commitment to making our business more sustainable.

Understanding the EPA SmartWay Program

To appreciate the impact of our logistics choices, it is important to understand the program behind them. The EPA SmartWay program is a voluntary public-private carrier partnership designed to help businesses move goods in cleaner, more fuel-efficient ways.

Since its launch in 2004, SmartWay has provided a comprehensive system for tracking, documenting and sharing information about fuel use and freight emissions. It offers a consistent set of tools that allow shippers and carriers to make more informed choices based on environmental performance. The program tracks key emissions, including carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), giving shippers the data they need to actively reduce their impact on the planet.

A Data-Driven Approach

For Tellus, participation in the SmartWay program validates that the carriers we choose are monitoring their emissions and working toward cleaner operations.

"SmartWay helps companies advance supply chain sustainability by measuring, benchmarking and improving freight transportation efficiency," said Renaldy Tapia, our Logistics Manager who initiated and has led our involvement in the SmartWay program since 2021.

Our participation signals a proactive approach to building a more sustainable future. By prioritizing freight carriers who share our values, we are working to ensure our commitment to the planet is upheld from production to delivery. As of the latest data from 2024, we are proud that the freight carriers transporting Tellus products are SmartWay participants. Furthermore, we are amongst a few packaging companies to participate in this program.

How Our Strategy Benefits You

Choosing Tellus means you are choosing a company that prioritizes environmental stewardship in its logistics strategy. For customers working to reduce their own Scope 3 emissions, our logistics strategy provides an advantage.

Furthermore, our U.S.-based production enhances our sustainable supply chain. Our products ship directly from our Florida facility to customers throughout the United States, allowing for more efficient transportation.

For additional information on the SmartWay program and to see how it impacts supply chain sustainability, visit the official EPA SmartWay website.

The ASR Group® family of companies includes Tellus Products, LLC. Within the list of SmartWay participating companies, ASR Group is listed as the affiliated Shipper of the SmartWay Program.