Friday, 10 October 2025
AkzoNobel, the global paints and coatings company behind brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, and International, has partnered with XPO Logistics to dramatically reduce its transport-related carbon emissions in the UK. The initiative marks a major milestone in AkzoNobel’s sustainability strategy and directly supports its science-based target to reduce Scope 1 emissions by 50% by 2030 […]
AkzoNobel, the global paints and coatings company behind brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, and International, has partnered with XPO Logistics to dramatically reduce its transport-related carbon emissions in the UK. The initiative marks a major milestone in AkzoNobel’s sustainability strategy and directly supports its science-based target to reduce Scope 1 emissions by 50% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels.
Through this collaboration, AkzoNobel is deploying its first fleet of 100% electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) alongside a nationwide fleet powered by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), delivering a combined annual carbon saving of approximately 3,000 tonnes of CO₂.
HVO is gaining recognition as a renewable diesel substitute that can be used in existing diesel engines without modification. Produced from waste vegetable oils and animal fats, it offers a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil diesel, often up to 90% over its lifecycle.
While not a complete replacement for electric vehicles in the future, HVO serves as a practical and scalable interim solution, especially for long-haul routes and heavier vehicles where full electrification is currently challenging.
AkzoNobel has become the first paint brand in the UK to deploy large-scale electric HGVs under the UK government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme.
Two fully electric trucks will operate from AkzoNobel’s Slough site, serving London and surrounding areas. These vehicles will achieve 100% reduction in direct CO₂ emissions during operation, while also lowering air and noise pollution in dense urban environments.
The partnership with XPO Logistics will deliver over 3,000 tonnes of CO₂ savings per year across three main areas:
Vehicle efficiency improvements: 300 tonnes CO₂
Deployment of Euro 6 engines and electric vehicles: 700 tonnes CO₂
HVO fuel adoption: 2,000 tonnes CO₂
This reduction is equivalent to removing more than 650 average passenger vehicles from UK roads annually.
In addition to the electric trucks, AkzoNobel has introduced a new nationwide fleet running on HVO fuel. This renewable diesel alternative, made from waste plant-based oils, significantly reduces lifecycle carbon emissions compared to conventional fossil diesel. The HVO fleet will service long- and short-haul routes across the UK.
Transportation accounts for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions, making logistics a critical focus area in climate mitigation strategies. Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), which are vital for supply chains, traditionally run on diesel and are major contributors to carbon pollution. Transitioning fleets to electric vehicles and renewable fuels like HVO not only reduces emissions but also improves air quality and lowers noise pollution, especially in urban areas.
AkzoNobel’s initiative is a timely example of how industry players can leverage emerging technologies and alternative fuels to make measurable progress on sustainability while maintaining operational efficiency.
This initiative is part of AkzoNobel’s Paint the Future strategy, which puts sustainability-driven innovation at the core of business operations. In the UK, AkzoNobel has already achieved:
100% renewable electricity procurement
A 41% reduction in Scope 1 emissions as of 2024
The new low-emission fleets will deliver popular sustainable products, including:
Dulux Easycare and Dulux Walls and Ceilings (both 99.9% VOC-free)
The improved Dulux One Coat Satin, a water-based solution
Kathryn Ledson, Managing Director of Decorative Paints UK&I at AkzoNobel, said:
“The launch of our new electric and HVO-powered fleets is a proud milestone in our sustainability journey. This investment is a clear demonstration of how we are delivering on our science-based targets and taking responsibility for our impact.”
She added that AkzoNobel is committed to “painting the future” through sustainable innovation across operations, partnerships, and product development.
Dan Myers, Managing Director – UK and Ireland at XPO Logistics, highlighted the alignment between the two companies:
“AkzoNobel and XPO Logistics are united by a belief that real progress is built on action, not aspiration. By delivering measurable, large-scale emissions reductions through our logistics partnership, we’re turning shared values into shared results.”
XPO Logistics is a leading European provider of sustainable, end-to-end logistics solutions, specialising in freight decarbonisation, multi-modal transport, and the use of alternative energy. With this collaboration, XPO is supporting AkzoNobel in modernising transport operations and advancing toward net-zero objectives.
This partnership between AkzoNobel and XPO represents a transformative leap in sustainable logistics for the paint and coatings industry. Through the deployment of electric trucks, HVO fuel, and vehicle upgrades, the companies are demonstrating how ambitious climate targets can be turned into tangible emissions reductions.
With measurable impact and aligned sustainability goals, this collaboration not only supports AkzoNobel’s journey to net-zero but also sets a benchmark for decarbonising logistics in the manufacturing and industrial sectors.
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