Woodland Group and Ball’s Sustainable Transport Commitment

Woodland Group is a business focused on transparency, creating a positive social impact and reducing its carbon footprint.

The global logistics, freight forwarding and supply chain specialist has, over recent months, accomplished significant milestones towards improving its position as an environmentally and socially-conscious business. 

They include being awarded the coveted gold EcoVadis certification and multiple solar panel installations that now provide more than 60% renewable energy to some of the largest operational sites in the company’s portfolio. 

Woodland Group is also demonstrating its commitment to supply chain sustainability through pioneering trials of alternative fuels and electric vehicle (EV) technologies.

In collaboration with Ball Corporation, the world’s leading provider of sustainable aluminium packaging, it has been exploring innovative solutions to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future for the transport sector.

HVO’s game-changing impact on emissions reduction

Since March 2024, Woodland Group has been part of an innovative trial utilising hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), a renewable diesel alternative, through its collaboration with Ball. 

Over a 10-week period, the firm completed an impressive 1,100 trips on Ball’s regular routes using HVO fuel, with emissions limited to just 22 tonnes of CO2 emissions (CO2e). 

According to Woodland Group’s advanced carbon calculator, had HVO not been used these journeys would have resulted in 229 tonnes of CO2e. 

It means using HVO led to a significant CO2e saving of 207 tonnes and a 90.44% reduction in these emissions. 

Over the course of a 12-month period, Woodland Group and Ball project a reduction of a staggering 1,067-tonnes in CO2e emissions on this particular route alone and will roll out additional routes as part of their net zero and carbon neutrality goals.

Exploring sustainable transportation

Elsewhere, Woodland Group and Ball have been actively exploring the immense potential for electric heavy goods vehicles (EHGVs).

Introducing Volvo EHGVs to the fleet over a 30-day period yielded promising results, with a 65.66% reduction in carbon footprint compared to traditional diesel vehicles.  

While the current limitations of the UK's electrical infrastructure pose challenges, Woodland Group remains committed to continuing trials with Ball and other manufacturers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the market and its potential.

“It’s a real pleasure to be working with Ball Corporation on these trials and exploring the best solutions, not only for our customers and their customers, but also for the environment,” comments Luke Fermor, Global Head of Fulfilment at Woodland Group.

“The key is to have a better understanding of emerging technologies and to ensure we invest in the right technology at the right time.”

Looking ahead to a greener future

Both Woodland Group and Ball are dedicated to continuously reducing their carbon footprint and exploring new technologies in the logistics sector. 

Their joint trials have identified the barriers – as well as opportunities – to making positive change happen. 

Key findings include:

• Diesel dominates the HGV market due to range and infrastructure but has much higher CO2e per kilometre than EVs and HVO.
• EVs offer lower CO2 emissions per kilometre than diesel but are currently limited by range and grid decarbonisation.
• HVO is the most promising intermediate solution today, offering the best CO2 emissions per kilometre and compatibility with existing engines.
• Hydrogen technology could be a potential long-term solution, with Woodland Group and Ball set to continue trialling it going forward.

“There’s not one single or one-size-fits-all solution to reduce fossil fuel consumption,” adds Mark Haslam, Logistics Director for EMEA at Ball Corporation. 

“No single company can tackle the challenge alone; working together is crucial. That’s why we’re so delighted to trial new, innovative carbon-conscious solutions with Woodland. 

“Ball’s commitment to sustainability outlined in our Climate Transition Plan is unwavering. We focus on aluminium circularity and decarbonisation and work collaboratively with our entire supply chain to mitigate emissions across all three scopes. 

“We are proud of our partnership, forged in 2021, focused on pioneering solutions to reduce supply chain emissions. We've achieved significant results with Woodland Group and look forward to reaching new milestones based on these trials.”

With a quarter of its fleet already running on HVO, Woodland Group is demonstrating its commitment to prioritising sustainable transportation solutions and contributing to a greener future for the industry and the planet. 

Partnering with purpose-led organisations like Ball is an important step on the road to achieving decarbonisation goals.

Check out the latest edition of Supply Chain Magazine and sign up to our global conference series – Procurement and Supply Chain LIVE 2024. 

Supply Chain Digital is a BizClik brand.