Acer, Kuehne+Nagel & DSV: Partnering for Green Logistics

Acer is advancing its decarbonisation strategy across Europe by introducing electric trucks and renewable fuels to transform its logistics network.

The company collaborates with major logistics providers to create a supply chain that both reduces emissions and increases transparency as a key part of Acer’s long-term environmental strategy.

Building green supply chains

Acer focuses on sustainable transport methods by adopting electric vehicles and biofuels across its European routes. It also installs systems for continuous emissions monitoring, ensuring that every shipment aligns with its sustainability goals.

To achieve this, Acer renews its collaboration with logistics firm Kuehne+Nagel and forms a new partnership with DSV. Together, they expand a sustainable transportation network across Europe. The Netherlands hosts the first shipments delivered by electric trucks, which improve air quality in cities and lower local carbon emissions.

Acer is advancing its decarbonisation strategy across Europe by introducing electric trucks and renewable fuels to transform its logistics network.

The company collaborates with major logistics providers to create a supply chain that both reduces emissions and increases transparency as a key part of Acer’s long-term environmental strategy.

Building green supply chains

Acer focuses on sustainable transport methods by adopting electric vehicles and biofuels across its European routes. It also installs systems for continuous emissions monitoring, ensuring that every shipment aligns with its sustainability goals.

To achieve this, Acer renews its collaboration with logistics firm Kuehne+Nagel and forms a new partnership with DSV. Together, they expand a sustainable transportation network across Europe. The Netherlands hosts the first shipments delivered by electric trucks, which improve air quality in cities and lower local carbon emissions.

Kuehne+Nagel supports Acer’s green transition by integrating Hydro Vegetable Oil (HVO) and other biofuels into its remaining fuel-based trucks. This gradual switch replaces traditional fossil fuels, further reducing the carbon footprint linked to Acer’s logistics operations.

The logistics sector accounts for about 8% of global CO₂e (carbon dioxide equivalent) emissions. In response, both Kuehne+Nagel and DSV embed sustainable practices across their logistics services and help other companies implement similar methods through collaborative initiatives.

Kuehne+Nagel targets a 33% reduction in Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 within its own operations. Scope 1 covers direct emissions from company facilities, Scope 2 includes indirect emissions from purchased energy, and Scope 3 involves all other indirect emissions across the value chain.

“As logistics advisors, we help our customers transform their business model by strategically designing their value chain to make them profitable, sustainable and future proof,” explains Ave Stella Maris Crotti, Sustainability Manager at Kuehne+Nagel.

“Collaboration and transparency are key to turn our ESG commitment into action.”

Transparent supply chain logistics

Acer introduces an internal monitoring tool to track CO₂ emissions for each shipment. This technology brings visibility to every delivery and supports the creation of clear, measurable sustainability targets.

Each year, Acer moves large volumes of products as part of its logistics network across China, Europe and the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region. The company balances environmental impact with transport efficiency, covering long distances across land, air and sea.

Acer’s operations include more than 5,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) transported by sea annually, over 3,000 full truck loads (FTL) by road, and around 12 equivalent cargo flights. The firm favours sea freight as it generates fewer emissions compared with air or road transport.

“The preference for sea transport is motivated by a clear sustainability objective, favouring modes of transport with a lower environmental impact,” explains Riccardo Bernasconi, EMEA Senior Director of Supply Chain at Acer.

“This is complemented by reduced air and sea-air transport (e.g. via Dubai), as well as land transport by truck and a train that is currently suspended for geopolitical reasons.

“Events such as the Suez Canal crisis can increase costs by up to 25-30%, also affecting the environmental footprint, which is why transport choices are fundamental for both economic efficiency and sustainability.”

The broad logistics reach of DSV and Kuehne+Nagel enhances Acer’s ability to test and scale sustainable logistics technologies. These partnerships provide Acer with the resources to adapt quickly to changing conditions while staying aligned with its sustainability targets.

A history of sustainability

Acer’s shift to green logistics builds on its wider sustainability journey. In 2022, the company optimised its shipping operations by consolidating loads, which reduced truck journeys by 779 and cut CO₂ emissions by 593 tonnes.

Using Sustainable Maritime Fuel, Acer can reduce shipping-related emissions by as much as 85%. This initiative strengthens its efforts to reduce pollution across every transport mode.

The green logistics approach forms part of Acer’s wider sustainability commitment. From 2020 to 2024, the company produces more than 50 million computers and devices that use post-consumer recycled materials. Now, through partnerships with logistics firms focused on sustainability, Acer continues to reduce its environmental impact while influencing broader industry practices.

“Sustainability is part of our corporate culture,” adds Trivikram Jayacham, Acer EMEA HR Senior Director.

“For this reason, we have embarked on a ‘proactive path’ by adopting innovative business models that prioritise reducing our environmental impact.

“Among the projects, which are small but greatly appreciated by our employees, are the charging station for electric cars and the free provision of eBikes/eScooters to promote sustainable mobility during working hours.”

Through its collaboration with DSV and Kuehne+Nagel, Acer continues to advance towards a low-carbon supply chain. These efforts not only support its own sustainability goals but also help shape greener logistics standards across the technology sector.