Wren Kitchens is to wipe out most of its transport emissions by switching its huge fleet to run on used cooking oil.
More than 200 home delivery trucks will be powered by hydrotreated vegetable oil by September, with filling infrastructure being installed across the company’s depot network.
It will bring an immediate 90 per cent reduction in CO2 emission for the North Lincolnshire-based retail and manufacturing giant.
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A three month trial at the Barton-upon-Humber HQ saw no performance issues reported.
The renewable, low carbon diesel alternative can be used without modification.
Lee Holmes, Wren Kitchens’ transport and logistics director, said: “We’re committed to minimising our environmental impact whilst delivering customers’ kitchens and improving environmental performance throughout our operations.
“The introduction of HVO is another exciting milestone in our long-term sustainability plan and it also plays a pivotal part in delivering against the government’s target for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
HVO fuelling stations are being introduced at the eight depots it operates in the UK, at Stansted, Bristol, Lanark, Howden, Barton-upon-Humber, Dudley, Rochester and Manchester.
Wren’s work on logistics - a third vertically integrated element that links the huge retail and manufacturing growth - is seen as pioneering in the industry, having picked up five Motor Transport Awards last year for excellence in all areas including efficient operations and green innovations.
Mr Holmes said Wren is continuing to pursue industry-leading environmentally-friendly initiatives.
Some of its distinctive bright green fleet, together with Humber Bridge backdrop, featured in the television advert directed by Golden Globe and Academy Award nominated filmmaker Michael Gracey.
Wren has identified 94 per cent of the fleet for switching - the 18-tonne and 44-tonne vehicles.
Earlier this month Wren reported its strongest growth to date, with sales closing in on the £1 billion mark in 2021 after a 30 per cent uplift. It recorded a turnover of £916.5 million, up from £703.1 million in 2020.
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