Macfarlane Packaging boosts fleet with five new electric vehicles

Macfarlane Packaging has added five new electric vehicles (EVs) to its commercial delivery fleet as part of the group’s wider investment in its carbon reduction strategy.

The move sees Fraikin supply one 16-tonne EV articulated truck and four 3.5-tonne EV Luton vans to Macfarlane Packaging, which is a subsidiary of MacFarlane Group.

The new vehicles will operate from a number of Macfarlane’s regional distribution centres (RDCs) around the UK.

Macfarlane Group, which is based in Glasgow, distributes protective packaging materials to customers in the UK, Ireland and Continental Europe via a number of regional depots and has operating licences for 185 trucks and 204 trailers.

To mark the arrival of the new electric vehicles, Macfarlane Packaging ran an internal competition for young family members of Macfarlane Group colleagues to design the truck livery. The winning design has been chosen and the new livery is now on Macfarlane Packaging electric trucks across the UK.

Commenting on the new vehicles, Tim Hylton, logistics director for Macfarlane Packaging, said: “Deploying electric vehicles in our delivery fleet is a great way for Macfarlane Packaging to reduce our carbon emissions.

“Combined with our best practice driving programme, gradually increasing the number of zero emission electric vehicles we operate will see us reduce fuel use and lower our impact on the environment. Together, this will ensure that we can deliver vital packaging to protect the products of our customers across the UK in an environmentally friendly way.”

Fraikin commercial director, Colin Melvin, added: “We pride ourselves on our ability to use our industry experience and understanding of alternative fuels and connected technologies to deliver the right solution.

“Macfarlane Packaging is a longstanding, valued customer for Fraikin and it’s fantastic to be playing such an important role in its sustainability strategy.”

For more stories tracking the industry journey to decarbonisation see our new Freight Carbon Zero website.