Europa Road has signed a new contract with DPD Netherlands, which will see hydrotreated vegetable oil (HV-100) replacing diesel on its new daily linehauls from the Netherlands to the UK.

This strategic transition comes at a time when EU countries and the UK are announcing new targets for the road freight industry as part of the Emissions Trading System (ETS2), which calls for operators to bring emissions down by 42% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels.

DPD Netherlands recently welcomed the plans of its parent company, GeoPost / DPD Groups, for a net zero commitment by 2040, which is 10 years ahead of the climate agreement requirements.

This commitment highlights the company’s goal for a greener, more sustainable operation. The Dutch operation is on track to meet these targets with DPD previously announcing it would deliver emission-free in the 45 largest cities in the Netherlands by 2025. 

Stuart McKie, Europa Road regional manager, explained how the company plans to adopt the use of HVO-100 on DPD movements: “Phase one of the implementation is for the e-commerce linehauls flowing from Netherlands (Eindhoven) to the UK (Hinckley). This consists of two trailers per day, five days a week.

”We have committed to replacing 30,000kms-worth of diesel fuel with HVO-100, a major condition of this important new contract with DPD Netherlands.”

According to Nationwide Fuels, HVO-100 fuel reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to 90%, particulate matter emissions by up to 84% and nitrous oxide emissions by up to 27%.

This diesel alternative is a biodegradable, nontoxic fuel solution made from 100% raw material, providing a direct replacement for on road and off-road diesel.

Maurice Loef, DPD Netherlands linehaul director, commented: “I have been in this business for over 15 years, and what I am most excited about right now is our journey to transition away from fossil fuels. 

“Currently, our Netherlands to UK operation completes more than 176,000kms per year. I predict that by the end of Q2 2024, 50% of all linehauls out of DPD Netherlands will be running on HVO fuel.

”I am happy that Europa Road will be operating two full loads a day from the Netherlands to the UK, which represents 1,300km a day, 350,00km per year on HVO fuel.”

Europa said its new contract marks the next step in its sustainable journey, with the operator working with various environmental experts to ensure the actions taken create a long-lasting and impactful benefit.

As part of the drive, in 2023, Europa announced its partnership with Microlise, the telematics and fleet management solution and with Pledge. the greenhouse gas reporting and offsetting platform for logistics. 

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