How DB Schenker is Supporting Mercedes' SAF Transition

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is increasingly being seen as vital to achieving a greener future. 

Not only will adopting SAF help businesses enhance their supply chain resilience and meet ESG goals, but it will also be a vital solution for sustainable logistics and achieving competitive advantage. 

In a bid to enhance its own sustainability efforts, Mercedes-Benz has placed a record-breaking order of SAF for export air freight shipments from Frankfurt to Beijing and Shanghai.

The procurement of around 13,000 tons of SAF represents the largest single volume order of its kind by a DB Schenker customer and will cut Mercedes-Benz's CO2e emissions by 40,000 tons.

“Achieving carbon neutrality is a long-haul journey," comments Thorsten Meincke, Global Board Member for Air & Ocean Freight at DB Schenker. "Our new biofuel agreement with our trusted partner Mercedes-Benz sets a new benchmark for sustainability commitments.

“By working together, we are actively and immediately reducing emissions in intercontinental supply chains. This contract represents one of the largest-ever SAF deals in the entire automotive and logistics industries globally. I look forward to seeing more customers join us.”

DB Schenker and Mercedes-Benz

Across several decades, DB Schenker and Mercedes-Benz have maintained an effective partnership, spanning land, air, ocean transport and warehouse management.

Mercedes-Benz was one of DB Schenker's first customers when it launched the world’s first-ever regular cargo flight fuelled by SAF in 2021. 

This latest collaboration is set to boost progress in reducing carbon emissions across international logistics and the air freight industry.

As Mercedes-Benz sets a new industry benchmark for corporate sustainability, DB Schenker is showcasing the logistics industry’s move towards more sustainable practices. 

Elke Pusskeiler, Head of Supply Chain Management at Mercedes-Benz, states: “As part of our Ambition 2039 for Mercedes-Benz Cars, we aim to reduce CO2 emissions in logistics by 60% compared to 2021. 

“Our sustainability strategy focuses on CO2 avoidance and on the reduction of emissions for all modes of transport in inbound and outbound. Utilising sustainable aviation fuel for air freight allows us to cut emissions. 

“Together with DB Schenker, we made another significant achievement in our efforts for sustainable logistics.”

‘Ambition 2039’ for Mercedes-Benz Cars

Mercedes-Benz has remained committed to advancing sustainability through its ‘Ambition 2039’.

This details how the company is striving to ensure its entire fleet of new vehicles are net carbon-neutral by 2039 across their entire lifecycle and along the entire value chain. 

It has made vital progress to reach this goal by using recycled materials, the electrification of its fleet, using renewable energy in production and integrating renewable energy sources for charging. 

In 2022, Mercedes-Benz’s vehicle production locations achieved net carbon neutrality.

By establishing more PPAs and using more solar and wind power across its sites, Mercedes-Benz aims to utilise renewable energy for more than 70% of its energy needs by 2030.

What is SAF?

Sustainable aviation fuel is a waste-derived or renewable fuel that helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional jet fuel.

It is made from feedstocks like agricultural and forestry waste, algae, used cooking oil and municipal solid waste to help decarbonise the aviation industry. 

SAF is helping the logistics industry to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and promote a circular economy by significantly reducing lifestyle CO2 emissions.

It is also compatible with existing aircraft and infrastructure (drop-in fuel), meaning it represents a viable alternative in the transition to a greener future. 

How will this agreement help reduce the carbon footprint of the automotive industry?

The agreement between Mercedes-Benz and DB Schenker is set to enhance the sustainability of global supply chains. 

As well as encouraging other automotive companies to invest in low-emission transport solutions, the collaboration highlights how cleaner logistics will support the industry’s transition to carbon neutrality. 

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