Woodland Group and Ball Corporation come together to lead the charge in carbon emission reduction

Leading the way in sustainable logistics, the Woodland Group and Ball Corporation have always prioritised transparency, social responsibility, and carbon footprint reduction. In addition, the company is intensifying its focus on supply chain sustainability, exploring alternative fuels and EV technology in partnership with Ball Corporation, a leader in sustainable aluminium packaging.

This dedication has been highlighted by key accomplishments, including earning the prestigious gold EcoVadis certification and installing solar panels at major locations. These initiatives now enable the company to source over 60 per cent of its energy from renewable sources.

Collab between Woodland Group and Ball Corporation

The collaboration between Woodland Group and Ball Corporation is dedicated to fostering a sustainable logistics industry, with each initiative reflecting a mutual commitment to reducing carbon footprints, adopting green technologies and the use of renewable metals like aluminium. A significant portion of Woodland's fleet already uses HVO, and this partnership marks a major step toward achieving decarbonisation goals together. Collaborating with purpose-driven organisations like Ball is essential for advancing a more sustainable future for the logistics sector and the planet.

Since March 2024, Woodland Group has partnered with Ball Corporation to pioneer hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), a renewable diesel alternative. In a trial involving 1,100 trips along Ball's regular routes, CO₂ emissions were drastically reduced—only 22 tonnes were emitted compared to the 229 tonnes that would have been produced with standard fuel.

This impressive 90.44 per cent reduction demonstrates HVO's potential to significantly lower CO₂e (carbon dioxide equivalent) emissions, with plans to expand the initiative in support of net zero and carbon neutrality goals.

The exploration of electric heavy goods vehicles (EHGVs) also signals a promising shift toward sustainable logistics. A 30-day trial incorporating Volvo EHGVs into the fleet resulted in a 65.66 per cent reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional diesel engines, despite the limitations of the current UK electrical grid.

"There's not one single or one-size-fits-all solution to reduce fossil fuel consumption. No single company can tackle the challenge alone; working together is crucial. That's why we're so delighted to trial new, innovative carbon-conscious solutions with Woodland. Ball's commitment to sustainability outlined in our Climate Transition Plan is unwavering. We focus on aluminium circularity and decarbonisation and work collaboratively with our entire supply chain to mitigate emissions across all three scopes.  We are proud of our partnership, forged in 2021, focused on pioneering solutions to reduce supply chain emissions. We've achieved significant results with Woodland Group and look forward to reaching new milestones based on these trials," said Mark Haslam, Logistics Director for EMEA at Ball Corporation. 

Focus of the partnership

The partnership between Woodland Group and Ball goes beyond trials; it focuses on uncovering extensive possibilities within logistics to reduce environmental impact. Together, they are investigating the challenges and opportunities in the logistics sector to create meaningful change.

Their findings reveal that while diesel remains dominant due to its range and infrastructure, electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) offer lower CO₂ emissions per kilometre. Additionally, they are exploring hydrogen as a potential long-term solution, with ongoing research efforts in that area.