Budweiser Brewing Group is moving half of its heavy goods vehicle (HGV) fleet at its Magor brewery from diesel to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).
The brewer, part of AB InBev, said the investment was part of its ongoing sustainability programme and ambition to reach net zero at its UK breweries by 2026.
It has partnered with logistics provider EV Cargo on the fuel switch, which it said will provide a 92% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per every kilometre driven compared to diesel.
HVO is a sustainable fuel derived from vegetable and animal oils. Budweiser Brewing Group will conduct an initial transfer of 20-25 vehicles to HVO fuel, with the aim of increasing to 50 trucks at its Magor site later this year. With 36 billion litres of diesel consumed in the UK annually, this is a major step by Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I in tackling climate change.
Mauricio Coindreau, director of irocurement and sustainability, Budweiser Brewing Group for the UK and Republic of Ireland, said: “We are excited to be pioneering the use of HVO at our Magor brewery, which will result in significant reductions in CO2 emissions across our UK operations, highlighting the importance of green logistic initiatives."
Budweiser Brewing Group already brews every single can, bottle and keg in the UK with 100% renewable electricity from its own wind turbine and two solar farms.
The brewer has also removed plastic rings from its entire portfolio and has met its goal of brewing with 100% British-grown barley, reducing carbon emissions and championing local agriculture.
