From Bio-LNG to hydrogen, from HVO to electric. All possible alternative fuels are tested for our transport activities. The goal: a CO₂ reduction of at least 40 per cent by 2030*. 'As a large organisation, we take responsibility and want to lead the way,' says Piet Bakker, Sustainability Manager.
'Demand for sustainability is increasing,' Piet Bakker observes. 'The speed at which it happens is determined by the customer. Everyone wants to become more sustainable, some faster than others. We need and want to be part of this.'
The ideal truck
And so we are looking into what the ideal truck should look like. Is it electric? Or does it run on HVO, a diesel made from frying fat and waste animal fats? Or on hydrogen? Or Bio-LNG, made from gas derived from organic material? Piet: 'Because it is difficult to assess now what the best solution will be in the future, we are spreading our bets and looking at all options.'
For example, five trucks running on hydrogen are being tested. The same will happen with HVO. Electric trucks are being used to see which products they are best suited for. Piet: 'An RMO drives a round of dairy farms. If he charges the battery before leaving and does so again when he returns, it works well. But for trucks crossing all over Europe, it's more difficult.'
Circular with Bio-LNG
Until the ideal solution is found, Bio-LNG is increasingly being used as a transition fuel. The number of Bio-LNG trucks has therefore increased sharply last year. In 2024, 50 Bio-LNG trucks were on the road, with 75 more coming in 2025. 'Using Bio-LNG fits perfectly with the circular idea,' Piet said. 'For example, we transport feed to livestock farmers, after which the manure from their animals goes to a digester. The biogas produced is then converted into fuel for our LNG trucks. The same applies to fruit and vegetable waste. So that completes the circle.'
Everyone wants to become more sustainable, some faster than others. We need and want to be part of this.
Piet Bakker, Sustainability Manager
Ultimately, the future will reveal which alternative fuel proves to be ideal. 'Hydrogen and electric will continue to co-exist,' Piet believes. 'But it will take some time before both options are established, especially given the current high costs. Until then, we are doing all we can to reduce emissions as much as possible. So that is now happening with Bio-LNG, and also by smarter planning, avoiding empty loads and educating drivers on their driving style. There are still many gains to be made, but we are on our way.'
- *Per tonne/kilometre transported, relative to 2021