Sustainability at DHL: SAF, EVs & Sustainable Supply Chains

Working in more than 220 countries can create logistics issues, carbon emissions and environmental influence.

To avoid this, DHL Group is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth through its Strategy 2030 and 2025 Annual Report: The Next Step. 

By embedding green logistics as a core strategic "fourth bottom line," the group is transforming its international network into a model of environmental and social responsibility. 

Despite challenging geopolitical shifts and fluctuating trade flows, DHL Group is continuing to pursue its goal of reaching net zero GHG emissions by 2050.

Decarbonising the global supply chain

The primary environmental impact of DHL Group’s logistics business is the emission of GHGs directly related to its transport operations. 

In 2025, the Group achieved a 4.3% reduction in logistics-related GHG emissions, totaling 32.31 million tonnes of CO₂e. 

This progress was driven by significant investments in sustainable technologies and fuels, with additional decarbonisation expenditures reaching €444m (US$515m) for the year. 

In DHL’s own air fleet, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) usage rose to 10.0%.

The group’s own pick-up and delivery fleet grew to 45,356 e-vehicles, representing 46.2% of the total.

A calculated 96.9% of the group’s electricity is now sourced from renewable energy, with solar capacity expanding to more than 38.5MWp

The company also increased its use of hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO), while continuing to use biogas. The share of sustainable fuel use (including mandatory blends) rose to 20.5% in Scope 1 and 6.9% in Scope 3.

DHL states, “For fiscal year 2026, we expect Realised Decarbonisation Effects amounting to 2.5 million tonnes CO₂e.”

Sustainability Strategy 2030

“With Strategy 2030, we have embedded Green Logistics as the fourth bottom line in our group strategy,” says Tobias Meyer, CEO of DHL, in the company’s annual report.

“Our long-term goal remains unchanged: cutting greenhouse gas emissions from logistics to net zero by 2050. 

“With the demand for more sustainable logistics solutions continuing its gradual rise in 2025, we have consistently expanded our capabilities in low-emission logistics. 

“Our use of sustainable aviation fuels is substantially above the industry average and our fleet of electric vehicles is one of the world’s largest. 

“The actions we are taking are noticeably reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening our position as a leading provider of sustainable logistics solutions.”

With the launch of Strategy 2030: "accelerate sustainable growth," DHL Group aims to strengthen its leading position in global logistics. 

Built on a strong foundation of purpose, values, customer promise and proven business practices, the strategy emphasises growth, sustainability and adaptability to emerging mega trends. 

By unlocking its full potential through targeted divisional strategies and Group-wide initiatives, the company focuses on expanding capabilities, entering high-growth markets and investing in sectors such as Life Sciences & Healthcare, New Energy and E-commerce. 

Central to Strategy 2030 are the four bottom lines: 

• Employer of Choice
• Provider of Choice
• Investment of Choice
• Green Logistics of Choice

These bottom lines help to reflect the group’s commitment to employee well-being, customer excellence, sustainable profitability and climate-neutral operations. 

Grounded in a purpose of "Connecting people, improving lives," DHL leverages its operational expertise to drive prosperity, enable global trade, minimise environmental impact and positively influence communities worldwide, ensuring long-term value for employees, customers, investors and society at large.

Sustainability incorporated supply chains

DHL Group has established a comprehensive process to identify and assess climate-related impacts, risks and opportunities, integrating findings from its climate resilience analyses in line with the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) and the EU Taxonomy. 

Physical climate risks were evaluated for all sites using geospatial data and scenario analyses, including SSP and RCP pathways, to assess exposure over short-, medium- and long-term horizons, with no material physical risks identified.

Transition risks and opportunities, particularly those related to decarbonisation and GHG emissions, were analysed at divisional and Group levels, with scenario planning based on the International Energy Agency’s Sustainable Development Scenario guiding technology deployment, energy transition and regulatory considerations.

Sustainability risks, including environmental impacts such as pollution, water use, circular economy and biodiversity, are incorporated into standard risk management processes and investment decisions, while workers in the supply chain are assessed under due diligence frameworks including the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and the German Supply Chain Act (LkSG).

These integrated measures ensure that DHL not only mitigates climate and sustainability risks but also advances decarbonisation, responsible supply chain management and long-term resilience across its operations.

“Looking to the future, the environment remains challenging,” says Tobias in the report.

“But we are well positioned and aiming for further sustainable growth.”