DPD targets 46% reduction in emissions by year end

Parcel firm DPD UK is on target to deliver a 46% reduction in emissions by the end of 2024, from the 2020 baseline, with a third of its final mile van fleet now electric.

The move strengthens the company's target to become net zero by 2040, which is fully validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

It comes as a third of DPD UK's final mile fleet is now electric, with an additional 350 EVs (4.25t Ford eTransits) being deployed over the next few months ready for peak, taking the EV fleet close to 4,000 strong.

Meanwhile, DPD UK's new London sortation centre in Bromley-By-Bow, Docklands, is now consistently over 90% all-electric in terms of final mile, as part of the company's plan to deliver electric only across London.

95% of its HGV fleet also now runs on HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil), which reduces emissions by 83% compared to traditional diesel.

As a result, the company said it is on track to achieve a reduction in emissions of 46% by the end of the year, which equates to a total reduction of 167,664 tCO2e since 2020.

Tim Jones, Director of Marketing, Communications & Sustainability DPD UK, said: "We are committed to delivering real benefits in terms of decarbonising our business and improving every aspect of our operation.

"While our fully validated Net Zero target remains 2040, we are working hard to bring through as much change and innovation as possible right now and, as these figures show, we are on track with the trajectory required to meet the group target and are making a real difference already.

"There will be harder challenges down the line, we are well aware of that, but we will continue to work with the best in the sustainability space and invest in the innovation required to get to where we want to be."