BEAVERTON, OR: June 04, 2016. Nike has expanded its European Logistics operation in Belgium with the opening of a radical new facility at Laakdal, 50 kms. from Antwerp on the country's Albert Canal.

Key features include 100 percent renewable energy from 
five locally generated sources: wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric and biomass. Six wind turbines on-site produce enough electricity to power 5,000 households, and the on-site solar panels cover the size of three soccer fields.

The facility is fed by an infrastructure of canals, railways and highways. 99 percent of inbound containers reach the local container park, by water, not road, saving 14,000 truck journeys a year.

Moving away from a traditional structure that requires more steel and concrete, the warehouse is a rack-supported building, reducing waste and material used, thereby minimizing its footprint. 


More than 95 percent of waste generated on-site is recycled. Pathways used by employees around the facility are made from recycled footwear material.

Natural light provided by many windows, a unique daylight capture system and smart, automated LED lighting help to reduce electricity costs, reduce environmental impact and provide a more productive workplace.

The facility was carefully designed to expand while supporting biodiversity. For example, sheep will help naturally maintain the landscaping, and on-site beehives will contribute to biodiversity through the pollination of flowers around the facility and in the local area. 


The company says the expansion will make Nike’s European operations more efficient, more responsive and more sustainable, enabling growth by serving consumers across Nike.com, Nike retail and wholesale partners in 38 countries, all from a single inventory location.

“Globally, we ship more than one billion units of footwear, apparel and equipment every year, which demands an agile, innovative and sustainable supply chain,” said Eric Sprunk, COO, Nike.

“The expansion of our European Logistics Campus demonstrates our commitment to bring the full range of Nike products to consumers more quickly, where and when they want it – whether it’s one pair of Flyknit shoes or a 10,000-item order for a retailer,” he added.