BioLPG: A sustainable fuel solution

Initiatives like the Renewable Energy Directive and Paris Agreement have resulted in a pronounced shift towards greener business ambitions. However, concerns remain that not enough is being done to combat climate change. In fact, recent reports from the Carbon Disclosure Project show that while most large companies have implemented plans to reduce carbon emissions, these do not go far enough.

The launch of BioLPG, a new, renewable fuel from Calor, offers FLT managers an efficient, cost-effective and low carbon solution. Building on the success of LPG over alternatives such as diesel and electric, BioLPG is chemically identical to conventional LPG but created from renewable, ethically sourced feedstocks. This means it is a drop-in fuel, so there is no need for FLT fleets currently using LPG to alter any equipment or supply infrastructure.

Significantly cleaner and quieter than their diesel counterparts, and less costly and offering faster refuelling capabilities than electric models, BioLPG can help FLT fleets realise a wide range of benefits. Minimum carbon savings of 20% and up to 32% are possible, based on a blend of 40% BioLPG and 60% conventional LPG, and the type of feedstocks used.

Exciting opportunity

One organisation that is particularly excited about the opportunities available for BioLPG is material handling group, Linde. Speaking about the fuel, David Bowen, sales support and training manager for the company, says: “Being green is not just a desire for businesses, but also a pressure from customers. Furthermore, a lot of businesses can see that tax revenue from the government will be influenced by their pollution or lack of ‘green-ness’. So, there is a lot of pressure to go for a more environmentally-friendly fuel solution.

“BioLPG will help us push our FLTs over other suppliers, who specify alternative fuels. If the fuel costs less and delivers true carbon savings, then that’s what customers are interested in. We’re really excited about BioLPG and the opportunities it gives us.”

Implementing sustainable business strategies across the value chain has never been so urgent, and FLT fleet managers can play a vital role in helping the UK move towards a greener future, in line with the country’s legislative and environmental ambitions.

While LPG’s status as a more environmentally-friendly fuel than other alternatives seems secure, BioLPG offers businesses using FLTs a real opportunity to invest in a fuel that is future-proofed to meet the sustainability standards that big brands are now demanding across the supply chain. The fact that BioLPG can be used to help fuel HGVs is yet another bonus for managers who might be responsible for fleets that include long-haul vehicles too.

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[BOX-OUT SECTION – EXAMPLE SCENARIOS]

LPG and BioLPG in action

To demonstrate how switching to LPG and BioLPG can dramatically cut carbon levels, the following scenarios consider the potential savings these fleets could make by changing from diesel to either LPG or BioLPG.

Small FLT operator

Number of FLTs: 4

Working hours: 5 days a week

Running time: 6 hours a day

Carbon saving

LPG: 24%

BioLPG: 43%

Large FLT operator

Number of FLTs: 20

Working hours: 6 days a week

Running time: 14 hours a day

Carbon saving

LPG: 24%

BioLPG: 38%