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Björn Lindner, Head of Innovation, and Anna Baschung, Project Manager Innovation, together with Lara Amini from LOXO (centre) in front of our autonomous parcel vehicle ‘Mathilde’
Interview

Questions for the Planzer Innovation team

17 July 2025

Tinkering, testing, thinking ahead – for us, this doesn’t happen behind closed doors, but through the ‘Planzer Workbench’ innovation programme, where wide-ranging ideas are turned into concrete innovation projects. We asked the Innovation Department how innovations are created, what role sustainability and external partners play, and what trends or technologies will be important to us.

Björn Lindner, Head of Innovation, and Anna Baschung, Project Manager Innovation, together with Lara Amini from LOXO (centre) in front of our autonomous parcel vehicle ‘Mathilde’
// Planzer: What does innovation mean for Planzer, and how is it integrated into the corporate strategy?
Anna: First and foremost, innovation is integrated into the company through the Planzer Workbench. The Workbench’s task, to generate and implement new ideas, is directly linked to our values and also aligns with the ideas of other key principles for us. We approach the issues in our industry with passion and interest and are incredibly motivated to make a real contribution to the next ‘Planzer generation’. In our projects, we always think sustainably and integrate the three P dimensions when implementing ideas: People, Planet, Perspective. Our challenge is to consider the requirements from all three areas when developing solutions. Through our work, we contribute to the family-like corporate culture that we cultivate at Planzer. Innovations often bring about change – which is why a shared culture is an important anchor point. We remain agile and open to new approaches, without compromising ourselves in the process and always focusing on our core values.

Björn: For Planzer, innovation means above all that we are observant and curious when considering where new ideas and new technologies could further develop and continuously improve service for our customers, but could also make our partnership more effective, for example. We believe it is our job to help the Planzer family, keep our eyes and ears open, and take action where it’s worthwhile. This in turn gives us the opportunity to tackle issues together, scrutinise them and, where appropriate, pilot them. Innovation is achieved together at Planzer – the more commitment from every corner of our Planzer family, the greater the impact.

// How important is collaboration with external partners, e.g. start-ups or research institutions?
Anna: Very important – especially collaboration with different universities. This enables us to keep abreast of the latest scientific findings and to address highly relevant, practical questions and topics in partnership with, for example, ZHAW or FHNW. Through these collaborations, we can position Planzer as an exciting employer with a broad range of topics and thus also work on the external perception of our company.

Björn: I would even go one step further. Without collaboration with partners, such as a start-up like Loxo in the field of highly automated driving, innovations in the complex issues intersecting society, the economy, the environment and technology are not possible. Collaboration and mutual support are therefore key when it comes to innovation.

‘Without collaboration with partners, innovations in the complex issues intersecting society, the economy, the environment and technology are not possible. Collaboration and mutual support are therefore key when it comes to innovation.’

Björn Lindner, Head of Innovation, Planzer Transport AG
// How do you identify social and environmental trends and technologies that could be relevant to Planzer?
Björn: It’s not an easy task. First of all, we have defined focus topics so that we don’t get lost in different areas in these fast-paced times. Then we rely heavily on our network and communication with colleagues, other stakeholders, experts and people with specialisms in certain technological topics. We have a strong team within our Planzer Workbench who work with us to assess relevant issues and trends. However, it often only becomes clear whether these are actually relevant when we get stuck in and try, test and learn. We are also not afraid to discard certain approaches and issues. That is also part of the learning process.
// What role does sustainability play in the development of new solutions and processes in general?
Anna: It is crucial in every respect. When implementing our projects, we always keep the three dimensions of People, Planet and Perspective in mind, in line with our Plan P concept. Focusing on social, environmental and economic sustainability is therefore the foundation of all our projects.

Björn: That’s right. From the point of view of innovation, we simply will not pursue an issue that does not serve sustainability – be it social, environmental or even economic.

‘Focusing on social, environmental and economic sustainability is the foundation of all our projects.’

Anna Baschung, Project Manager Innovation
// How do you manage the balancing act between economic efficiency and environmental or social responsibility in innovations?
Anna: By integrating these requirements and perspectives into projects from the outset and not discussing them as ‘options’. We are piloting a project with a business case that takes environmental and social responsibility into account. Economic efficiency and environmental and social responsibility are compatible and open new doors. So it’s not a balancing act.

Björn: I don’t think it’s a balancing act either, but a great opportunity for innovation to achieve improvements in all these dimensions at the same time.

// What trends and technologies do you see that will be of major importance for the logistics industry and Planzer in the coming years?
Björn: Above all, we see a major change in mobility and thus also in the mobility of goods. The drivers for this are in the technology, in particular powered by artificial intelligence, data and high-performance sensors. That’s also a reason why we were the first transport company in Europe to address this issue and tackle it in a partnership through the ‘Planzer – Dynamic Micro-Hub with LOXO’ pilot project in Bern. This change also offers the opportunity to find answers to topical issues such as suitable working models, possible shortages of skilled workers and density stress in urban areas. We also see great potential in the field of artificial intelligence to make fundamental processes in the logistics industry safer and more efficient. This will not only simplify and optimise processes, but also free up employees so that they can focus on the important tasks for which they have been trained.
// How are customer behaviour and requirements changing with regard to sustainable logistics, and how is Planzer responding to this?
Björn: We have always actively maintained an awareness of sustainability in our practices and are therefore oriented towards the future. This puts us in a good position of not having to react, but continuing to act positively and proactively and being able to offer our customers and partners innovative and sustainable solutions.
// How important do you think innovation will be for Planzer’s competitiveness in the coming years?
Anna: We are currently regarded as one of the most innovative companies in our industry. Innovation influences how Planzer is perceived externally on different levels. Through our collaboration with universities and presentations at various events, we have already been able to present our city logistics concept to the public several times, sparking widespread interest. In my view, it is crucial that Planzer invests in its own experience with new technologies and provides the framework to do so. For example, for the long-term use of electric trucks. Important questions such as the right location, freight and range of movement need to be tested in everyday use. The use of highly automated vehicles is also an important issue. The integration of these technologies and systems into the existing structure is crucial for our success and therefore our competitiveness too.

Björn: Innovation is essential to remain competitive. As already mentioned, Planzer is consciously proactive in this regard. As the Innovation Department, we see it as our job to continue this role. We are also an important point of contact for all our colleagues and, through the Workbench, offer a platform for giving new ideas the chance to navigate Planzer through upcoming changes with new possibilities.

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