Fonterra tanker fleet set for biofuel

Biofuel and electric vehicles are being adopted by multinational dairy co-operative Fonterra as it aims for zero carbon emissions.

The New Zealand-based company has partnered with the Ministry for the Environment to create a sustainability plan over the next 30 years.

A target date for zero emissions by 2050 with a 30% reduction by 2030 has been promised.

The target will be achieved by making changes at Fonterra’s manufacturing sites and adopting new technologies.

This includes the use of biofuel in its tanker fleet and a commitment to have 100 electric light vehicles in the fleet by 2019.

The company is also exploring low emission energy sources such as electricity and wood biomass in an effort to cut down on its use of coal.

“We will only use coal as a last resort, with a target of no new coal boilers installed from 2030,” chief operating officer global operations Robert Spurway says.

Sustainable Business Council executive director Abbie Reynolds says the announcement is a significant step for the company.
“Reducing agricultural emissions will be one of the biggest challenges of the transition to a low emissions economy in New Zealand.

“Net zero emissions by 2050 is an ambitious and challenging target. It shows strong leadership and will be welcomed by many New Zealand businesses,” she says.