In a recent initiative to reduce their carbon footprint, Farrall’s Group teamed up with Knauf Insulation and CNG Fuels UK to trial a Scania Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) HGV. The trial, conducted throughout January and February, aimed to explore how this greener fuel alternative could significantly lower carbon emissions in their fleet operations.
Bio-CNG, the fuel used in the trial, is a clean energy source that currently offers a 92% reduction in carbon emissions compared to diesel. Remarkably, by 2023, this figure is expected to rise to 100%, making CNG vehicles effectively carbon-neutral. The trial was carried out as part of Farrall’s Group’s South Wales operation, dedicated to serving Knauf Insulation. The results were impressive, showing a potential 90% reduction in CO2 emissions per truck annually.
Given the success of the trial, Farrall’s Group is planning to place an order for an initial batch of CNG vehicles.
Matthew Farrall, Managing Director of Farrall’s Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the results: “We’ve been amazed by the Scania CNG trial’s outcome and the significant reduction in carbon emissions it could bring to our fleet. CNG vehicles are a perfect fit for our Knauf Insulation contract, aligning with our continuous improvement program within the supply chain. We’re always looking for smarter ways to operate and reduce our carbon footprint, and transitioning to CNG fuel seems to be the next logical step in our journey.”
Mike Gabriel, Supply Chain Director at Knauf Insulation, echoed this sentiment, stating, “As the UK’s largest insulation manufacturer, our products are crucial in reducing the nation’s carbon emissions. Our Glass Mineral Wool already boasts the lowest embodied carbon of any mainstream insulation material. Partnering with Farrall’s Group to transition to a CNG-fuelled fleet will further minimise the environmental impact of our products, helping us meet the commitments laid out in our ‘For A Better World’ sustainability strategy.”
The logistics sector faces numerous challenges in adopting greener fuels. While electric trucks currently lack the range and infrastructure necessary for high delivery rates, CNG offers a quick, clean fuelling alternative with a growing nationwide infrastructure. This means logistics companies can transition to CNG without disrupting their supply chains.
Farrall’s Group is excited about the prospect of joining other leading logistics companies in adopting CNG as a fuel source. Stay tuned for more updates as they continue to enhance their fleet’s carbon footprint and contribute to a lower-carbon future.