DHL and Formula 1® take flight with sustainable aviation fuel

DHL and Formula 1® have reached a new milestone in their sustainability efforts by adopting Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

Since March this year, starting with cargo transport for the Australian Grand Prix, Formula 1 has partnered with DHL Global Forwarding’s GoGreen Plus service to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions significantly.

Using SAF, Formula 1 has reduced emissions by around 80% per flight compared to conventional aviation fuel. This marks a major step in DHL’s 20-year partnership with the sport, as Formula 1 strives to meet its Net Zero by 2030 commitment.

As of the Singapore Grand Prix, approximately 20% of Formula 1’s cargo flights to races outside of Europe have been powered by SAF through DHL’s GoGreen Plus service, marking a strong initiative toward a greener future.

Paul Fowler, Head of DHL Motorsports Logistics, said, “Our longstanding partnership with Formula 1 is built on a shared passion for innovation and excellence. We are committed to using our expertise to support Formula 1 in transporting cars and other equipment around the world in the most efficient way possible.

With 40 years of expertise in motorsports logistics, we are focused on identifying ways to cut down greenhouse gas emissions and making motorsport more sustainable with every step we take.”

The adoption of SAF is just one of several initiatives that DHL and Formula 1 have implemented to enhance sustainability. DHL’s logistics portfolio, which includes air, sea, and road freight, is optimised for efficiency and eco-friendliness.

This season, DHL has more than doubled its fleet of biofuel-powered trucks for the European leg of the Formula 1 season, now totalling 37 trucks. These vehicles contribute to an 83% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional diesel trucks.

Ellen Jones, Head of ESG at Formula 1, said, “Formula 1 has always been at the forefront of innovation, and our early-stage investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel is a testament to our dedication to deliver on our Net Zero by 2030 commitment.

SAF is just the latest step for the business and underscores how alternative fuels, both on and off track, can significantly reduce carbon emissions. Our sustainability strategy is only achievable through coordinated actions across the sport.”

SAF, produced from renewable resources such as agricultural biomass and used cooking oil, plays a crucial role in reducing aviation-related greenhouse gas emissions.

DHL’s use of SAF for Formula 1 logistics is certified by the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification. This certification ensures that the fuel is produced in line with strict sustainability standards, promoting transparency and deforestation-free practices across the supply chain.

DHL’s GoGreen Plus service, launched in 2022, plays a critical role in the company’s efforts to reduce emissions across its air and ocean freight operations.

By allowing customers to lower their greenhouse gas emissions, even when their shipments are not physically moved by assets using sustainable fuels, the service aligns with DHL’s science-based decarbonisation goals for 2030.