How DHL Helped AstraZeneca Decarbonise Air Freight With SAF
Alexion, known for its pioneering approach in tackling rare diseases, is now taking a giant leap towards environmental sustainability.
The AstraZeneca subsidiary has made headlines by becoming the first company in Ireland to completely switch its air freight from conventional aviation fuel to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
This change covers all its European air freight shipments across 19 countries, representing a major stride in sustainable supply chain management.
The goal of this initiative is massive: reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by over 80% compared to traditional fuels.
DHL's role in the transition to SAF
Facilitated by DHL's GoGreen Plus service, Alexion's switch to SAF marks a significant commitment to sustainability. SAF, a green alternative to traditional jet fuel, is made from sustainable resources like used cooking oil. It offers the same performance as regular jet fuel but massively cuts down on carbon emissions.
This strategic shift underscores Alexion's dedication to reducing the environmental footprint of its logistics operations, particularly the transportation of specialised medicines manufactured in Ireland.
The move aligns with AstraZeneca's broader environmental strategies, notably the aim to halve its Scope 3 GHG emissions by 2030, and achieve net zero emissions by 2045.
Scope 3 emissions include all indirect emissions that occur in a company's value chain, reflecting the impact of activities from sources not owned or controlled by the company but that it indirect impacts in its value chain.
AstraZeneca's efforts to decarbonise its supply chain
This initiative is a crucial part of AstraZeneca's more extensive effort to decrease its supply chain and healthcare-related emissions. Given that Scope 3 emissions make up the largest portion of their carbon output, moves like transitioning to SAF are vital for the company's environmental strategy.
By opting for a complete shift to SAF right away, Alexion demonstrates a strong commitment to rapid climate action, rather than a gradual transition.
“Moving our air freight to SAF is an important milestone in reaching our Scope 3 targets, with the ambition of being science-based net zero by 2045," says Sylvia Kiely, Vice President of Global Supply Chain and Product Strategy at Alexion.
"Through our partnership with DHL Express, we've signed up immediately to a 100% change in fuel, rather than scaling up over time, which demonstrates how seriously we take environmental stewardship.”
How to create a sustainable supply chain
DHL Express, also committed to its own sustainability targets, views this partnership as a prime example of how logistics providers can assist businesses in reducing their carbon footprint. The GoGreen Plus service is tailored to help companies integrate greener fuel alternatives into their logistics activities, promoting a more sustainable industry framework.
Brian Murray, Commercial & Same Day Director at DHL Express Ireland, is particularly enthusiastic about the partnership.
“We are thrilled to partner with Alexion," he says. "Our GoGreen Plus service using emission-reduced SAF demonstrates the tangible impact of collaborative efforts to decarbonise the logistics industry and support our customers in achieving their sustainability goals."
“This initiative aligns perfectly with DHL’s sustainability strategy and our goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.”
The countries benefiting from SAF-powered shipments include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Guernsey, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
By embracing SAF for air freight, Alexion and DHL Express are leading examples for the pharmaceutical industry, showing that committed, impactful actions can significantly reduce the environmental impact, while setting a precedent for sustainable logistics practices aligned with long-term climate objectives.
“We are thrilled to partner with Alexion. Our GoGreen Plus service using emission-reduced SAF demonstrates the tangible impact of collaborative efforts to decarbonise the logistics industry and support our customers in achieving their sustainability goals.”
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