Wolverhampton-based pallet network Pallet-Track has switched its entire fleet of forklift trucks (FLTs) to run on BioLPG in a move which has delivered a significant cut in carbon emissions.

The switch of the 150-strong FLT fleet has led to an expected 84% reduction in carbon emissions compared to the previous standard LPG fuel – a forecasted saving of 1,376 tonnes of CO2.

So significant is the impact of the change that it has already cut Pallet-Track’s entire operational carbon footprint by 15.25%, based on its current emissions.

The changes have been delivered in partnership with Calor Gas, one of Britain’s largest off-grid energy networks and form part of Pallet-Track’s new Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy – which is a first for the industry.

Pallet-Track has committed to achieving multiple targets by 2028, including reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 35% and reducing and/or offsetting Scope 3 transport emissions by 20%.

It plans to meet these targets through major investments in its fleet and alternative fuels.

Stuart Godman, CEO of Pallet-Track, said the conversion of the FLT’s was a positive step which could be completed without the need for costly vehicle modifications.

He added: “When we unveiled our ESG strategy, we made a firm commitment to taking swift action so our ambitions would be quickly realised.

“This is why we set short-term targets, as our 2028 goals are designed to have an immediate effect.

“With the switch of the FLT fleet to BioLPG, we are genuinely aiming to reduce emissions rather than just offsetting them. Offsetting has its place, but it is easy to spend money on tree planting without truly reducing emissions.

“We believe having a positive environmental impact is equally, if not more, important.”

Stuart said the decision to switch to Calor’s BioLPG tariff rather than electric power was taken with the bigger picture in mind.

“Converting to electric can theoretically yield higher savings, but infrastructure challenges and operational difficulties can reduce its impact. You need to review the entire supply chain if you have electrification in mind,” he added.

Alastair Lovell, Head of Sustainable Fuels at Calor, said: “We’re proud to have played a role in supporting Pallet-Track’s switch to Calor’s BioLPG tariff. Our focus has been on making the transition as smooth and practical as possible, while helping the team take a positive step towards reducing emissions across its operations.

“For a busy logistics business, it’s important that any change works day-to-day, and this project demonstrates how sustainability improvements can be delivered in a way that’s both effective and operationally realistic. We look forward to continuing to support Pallet-Track on their low-carbon journey.”

Kirsty Cox, Head of ESG and Strategic Projects at Pallet-Track, said: “The switch of our FLT fleet is the first major stepping stone on our ESG journey. It has made an immediate impact to our carbon emissions – but we’re only really getting started.

“We’re leading change in our sector on these important issues, and we hope others will join us.”

For more information about Pallet-Track, call 0870 385 0055 or visit www.pallet-track.co.uk.