Biffa has converted an additional 25 vehicles to run on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) across its industrial and commercial (I&C) division in the Midlands and North West
The move increases the waste management company’s fleet of alternatively fuelled vehicles to more than 150 and moves Biffa one step closer to its goal of reducing its emissions by 50% by 2030, from its 2019 baseline
Biffa has partnered with fuel distributor Certas Energy to convert the 25 transfer station plant vehicles to HVO fuel.
The company’s Midlands and North West transfer stations manage the waste and recycling from businesses in major urban areas including Coventry, Birmingham and Manchester.
Biffa has set a target for 10% of its plant and collections vehicles to be alternatively fuelled by the end of the year as part of wider plans to decarbonise its UK operations.
HVO is produced from 100% renewable raw materials and sustainable waste from verified vegetable fats and oils and is projected to reduce carbon emissions by around 90% compared to standard diesel.
The alternative fuel also releases fewer oxides with near-zero sulphur and has very low aromatics content compared to traditional diesel.
At Biffa’s Midlands and North West transfer stations, this translates to a saving of over 280 tonnes of carbon in just six months.
The supply of HVO is fully validated with an auditable supply chain, manufactured only from primary waste sources and not causing deforestation and environmental damage.
Only suppliers that meet the requirements of the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) and the Zemo Partnership Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme (RFAS) are used.
Monica Heenighan, Biffa I&C area director for the North, said: “In just six months, we’ve increased our alternative fuel fleet from 3% to 15% across the Midlands and North West, which is a fantastic achievement.
“HVO vehicles allow us to be greener faster and are a crucial step to reducing emissions. Achieving our 2030 target will depend on the government coming forward with an infrastructure strategy for commercial vehicles, followed by a rapid implementation plan that has a positive impact on the commercial vehicle supply chain.
“We look forward to continuing to play our part in the UK’s transition to a greener, circular and more sustainable economy.”
Darren Holloway, Certas Energy commercial director for energy solutions, said: “After an excellent year for HVO, we are thrilled to kickstart 2025 by announcing this partnership with Biffa and to support their transition to net zero.
“Up and down the country, we are seeing more customers choose HVO as a short and medium-term solution to immediately and drastically reduce carbon emissions.”
