Nestle UK wins sustainability award for using methane Volvo trucks that reduce CO2 by 14%; emissions may be reduced by as much as 70% using bio-methane alone

Tracy McDonald

LOS ANGELES , November 9, 2011 (Industry Intelligence) – Nestle UK garnered an award for sustainable distribution for a pilot program that tested methane trucks in their supply chain as a diesel alternative, Food Production Daily reported Nov. 9.

Nestle found that Volvo-manufactured trucks using liquidated methane or bio-methane reduced CO2 emissions by 14%, and have the potential to reduce emissions by 70% if they can run on bio-methane alone.

Nestle now holds three of the five such trucks operating in the U.K.. The methane trucks come with cheaper fuel prices but also repair costs that are approximately 25% to 30% higher. They are initially expected to be cost neutral as compared to diesel, said Nestle UK head of delivery Richard Hastings.

There are concerns about possible refueling issues, Hastings said, with only four refueling stations in the U.K. and just one that offers bio-methane. Additionally, because the trucks use compressed gas they must be shipped with the tanks empty.

The primary source of this article is Food Production Daily, Montpellier, France, on November 9, 2011.

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