Michelin is set to achieve a 30 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions from its Stoke-on-Trent-based logistics fleet by the end of the year. The company has secured 400,000 litres of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to replace diesel, projected to save 1,024 tonnes of CO2.
HVO, a renewable and biodegradable fuel, will power 50 HGVs operated by Great Bear, a division of Culina Group. These vehicles cover 3.4 million miles annually, delivering new tyres and retreads from Michelin’s European Distribution Centre and Remix factory to distribution hubs nationwide.
John Howe, Managing Director of Michelin Tyre plc, commented, “We held think tanks to explore ways to reduce CO2 emissions, and HVO emerged as the best option. Its immediate availability and ability to be used as a drop-in fuel made it an easy decision. Every 35,000-litre delivery of HVO reduces our fleet’s annual CO2 emissions by 2.62 per cent, helping us reach our 30 per cent target by year-end.”
Michelin’s commitment to sustainability aligns with its broader goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The company plans a 50 per cent CO2 reduction by 2030 compared to 2010 levels. These ambitious targets have been endorsed by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
The Stoke site will use HVO not only for HGVs but also for terminal tractors and the site’s dedicated fire appliance. This move follows the initial phase of Michelin’s electric vehicle transition programme, which aims to electrify its Services and Solutions division's van fleet by 2026.
Michelin, headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, operates in 175 countries, employing 132,200 people. In 2022, its 67 factories produced approximately 200 million tyres.
For more information on Michelin’s sustainability initiatives, visit business.michelin.co.uk
