EV Cargo’s Palletforce will benefit from a significant reduction in network carbon emissions as member Simarco invests in HVO fuel to help meet its sustainability targets and support the UK’s move to net zero.
With depots across the east of England, Simarco will start using HVO fuel in the trunking vehicles which visit the Palletforce SuperHub daily, these vehicles typically have the highest mileage in the Simarco network.
HVO, or hydrotreated vegetable oil, is a sustainable drop-in diesel alternative that offers superior environmental performance over traditional diesel. It is synthesised from renewable raw materials with a potential of reducing net CO2 greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 90%.
Simarco expects to see an annual saving of over 500 tonnes of CO2 emissions and has invested in a 50,000 litre fuel tank at its hub in Witham, Essex. The move forms part of the company’s five-year road map to roll out its sustainability vision and goals.
Simarco Managing Director Trevor Scott said: “Simarco is committed to reducing its environmental impact and investing in renewable HVO fuel brings significant and immediate benefits to help decarbonise our, and our customers’, distribution operations.
“It is great to have the support of Palletforce and the knowledge that we are all working collaboratively to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet sustainability targets.”
Simarco’s move will benefit customers using the award-winning Palletforce network and follows the launch of Palletforce’s EV Scope technology, a tool allowing customers to view emissions reports for each individual consignment.
Palletforce Chief Operating Officer Mark Tapper said: “The Palletforce express distribution model is one of the most sustainable in the UK and our focus is always on environmental improvement through pioneering technology, innovation and reducing delivery mileage.
“This delivers benefits to both our members and their customers, allowing us to prioritise sustainability alongside service. Many of our members have introduced alternative fuels this year and this investment in decarbonisation from Simarco is welcomed across the network.”
In addition to EV Scope, Palletforce uses Alliance Sense artificial intelligence technology to identify delivery issues before they happen to reduce miles and emissions associated with re-deliveries.
Palletforce is part of EV Cargo, a global logistics provider which won the Logistics & Supply Chain Green Initiative Award at the 2022 Drinks Business Green Awards for an HVO project with Budweiser Brewing Company UK&I which has helped slash carbon emissions.
