Eight of the diesel trucks supplied to automaker Aston Martin by DHL Supply Chain have been replaced with new tractor units that run on biomethane liquified natural gas (bio-LNG).
A biofuel, bio-LNG is made by processing organic waste. DHL has said that the new trucks are 78% less polluting than the diesel ones they are replacing, reducing carbon emissions by around 800 tonnes per year.
Wayne Jay, VP of operations for manufacturing logistics at DHL Supply Chain, said: “At DHL, we have committed to introducing alternative fuel vehicles into our fleet as an effective, long-term solution driving down carbon emissions for the business and our customers.
“We are delighted to be supporting the iconic Aston Martin brand with cleaner, more sustainable vehicles in its supply chain operations as it works towards achieving its own climate goals.”
The partnership between the two companies began in 2017 and, in 2020, their contract was extended until 2027. Both organisations have set clear targets for improving sustainability over the coming years.
Alternative fuels form a key part of DHL’s sustainability strategy. In addition to biofuels like bio-LNG and electricity as a means of powering vehicles, it is testing the feasibility of hydrogen technology in heavy-duty vehicles.
Vincenzo Regazzoni, chief industrial officer of Aston Martin Lagonda, said: “Replacing diesel vehicles in our fleet with bio-LNG alternatives helps to reduce carbon emissions in line with our ‘Racing. Green.’ strategy.
“This is a great example of how we want to work with partners across our whole supply chain. We are delighted that DHL is moving so quickly to provide more sustainable solutions which will help us deliver our sustainability strategy.
“We will continue to work with DHL and others in our supply chain to enhance our operations with innovative and sustainable solutions.”
Deutsche Post DHL Group has set a target of 2050 to reach net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its logistics operations. This is the central goal of the group’s ‘Mission 2050’ initiative, which also sets out more short-term goals to support the transition to net zero. These include increasing carbon efficiency, incorporating more ‘green’ solutions in its sales, and training more of its staff as environmental and climate protection specialists by 2025.