As part of its investment in the creation of a cleaner and more sustainable logistics sector, PostNL and its subsidiary Spring GDS will be adding around four million liters of HVO100 biofuel to Europe’s diesel network.
According to CE Delft, the biofuel will ensure 12 metric kilotons less carbon ends up in the environment every year – equivalent to almost 5,000 gasoline-fueled cars driving for 12 months.
The Dutch postal operator already has good green credentials, delivering mail and parcels on foot, by bike and using electric vehicles wherever possible. It uses HVO100 renewable fuels for large transportation vehicles where electrification is not yet feasible. HVO100 produces fewer toxic emissions such as NOX and particulate matter, and carbon emissions are cut by 90% compared with regular diesel fuels.
Biofuels for long-haul routes
However, sustainability is more difficult for international long-haul road transportation, as the scope and available infrastructure for electric trucks are underdeveloped and the availability of HVO100 outside of the Netherlands is very limited.
HVO100 can be added to Europe’s diesel network, which is what PostNL will be doing: together with partners, it has found a way to start using HVO100 for international road transportation in Europe – a major step forward in the logistics industry.
Tijs Reumerman, managing director for PostNL’s Cross Border Solutions, revealed, “We were looking for an innovative solution to use HVO100 and found it by setting a new standard, hoping that this initiative will inspire others. Going forward, we’ll be buying as much in biofuels as we’d need to cover all our international road transport in Europe, and this will be added to Europe’s diesel network from today.
“This solution reduces as much in the way of emissions as if our trucks were able to run on HVO100 directly. It’s a major move that I’m immensely proud of. Working closely with our customers, last-mile partners and the entire logistics sector, we want to help make all of Europe’s road transport more sustainable – and this initiative enables us to set a good example. All our customers directly benefit from these reduced carbon emissions, at no extra costs.”