Coca-Cola begins HVO fuel trial with can maker Ball
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) and aluminium can manufacturer Ball Beverage Packaging, have launched a 12-month trial of HVO part fuel for vehicles at Balls’ Wakefield factory.
The year-long trial began in October which could reduce supply chain CO2e emissions by around 300 tonnes per year. Approximately 5,000 deliveries will be powered by a blend of HVO and diesel fuel which will supply the CCEP site in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, UK. The partnership is supported by Menzies Distribution, one of Ball’s UK logistics partners.
HVO is a renewable alternative fuel. According to the company, the benefit of using HVO is that, if fully implemented, it has the potential to save up to approximately 90% of the carbon footprint related to supply chain transportation, from production of the can to the final delivery stage to the customer. HVO can be used as the primary fuel source for the vehicle or used in conjunction with diesel to improve CO2e emissions without requiring any change to the existing engine or additional maintenance of the vehicles.
HVO can be stored alongside diesel in local tanks and the fuel types can be mixed throughout the fleet. This would provide HVO on an equivalence basis and could provide a CO2e reduction through a blend of HVO and diesel.
In March 2023, Ball announced its new Climate Transition Plan, which outlines the company’s pathway and evolution into a fully circular and decarbonised business, allowing it to better serve its stakeholders and deliver solutions that benefit the planet. Introducing HVO is one of the steps on the road to achieving Ball’s decarbonisation goals.
Tom McCarthy, Vice President of Integrated Business Planning at Ball Beverage Packaging EMEA, said: “We are delighted to work with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners on such an important project. Tackling emissions from transport is extremely important to us – from production of the can to final delivery stage. Through strong collaboration with our customers and suppliers across the value chain we are driving towards our sustainability goals.”
Francisco Javier Sanchez Gandarias, Vice President Customer Service and Supply Chain at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Great Britain said: “We see it as our responsibility as a leading manufacturer in GB to support collaboration along the supply chain. We’re aligned with Ball Beverage Packaging’s goals when it comes to reducing emissions from transport, so that, together, we can make a bigger impact when it comes to tackling the climate challenge. We are continuing to encourage all of our third-party partners to transition to lower carbon solutions so we can produce and deliver the drinks people love more sustainably.”
HVO vehicles are increasingly becoming an important part of the beverage industry across Europe. They are already being used at other Ball locations in France and Sweden, and Ball is developing future HVO projects across Spain, Italy, Austria and Switzerland.
Image courtesy of Ball/Coca-Cola.
