UK supermarket debuts delivery trucks fueled by food waste

Waitrose, in partnership with CNG Fuels and Scania, have introduced 10 trucks that run on biomethane, which produces 70 percent less pollution than diesel.

Waitrose’s 10 new delivery trucks are fueled by biomethane, a renewable fuel made from food waste. Supplied by CNG Fuels, the trucks are able to cover 500 miles without refueling, which is 200 miles more than previous capacity allowed. Swedish transport company Scania and the United States’ Agility Fuel Systems designed a new carbon fiber fuel tank that is not only lighter than previous versions, it is able to hold more fuel.

Biomethane gas is a much more environmentally friendly option than diesel and costs up to 35 percent less while emitting 70 percent less carbon dioxide. Previously, biomethane-powered vehicles had much lower ranges than traditionally powered cars and trucks, making transport businesses less interested in using them. Now, the latest versions of biomethane trucks could generate up to GBP 100,000 savings over five years of use.

Finding ways to make transport work harder by introducing dual functionality is one way to improve its sustainability. Trucks in Germany use e-ink signs on the backs of trailers to display local ads, road information and weather updates. And office shuttle buses in Belgium turn commutes into work opportunities. What other aspects of a company’s supply chain could use biomethane?