Näringslivets Producentansvar introduces fossil-free transports

By the end of 2025, all transports within Sweden for which Näringslivets Producentansvar (NPA) is responsible will be 100 percent fossil-free. The decision is part of NPA’s work to reduce climate impact and contribute to a more sustainable waste management.

– Climate emissions must be reduced, and one of the things we at NPA can do is reduce emissions from transports. We do this by requiring fossil-free transports in our contracts with transporters, says Rizwan Baig, Head of Logistics & Recycling at Näringslivets Producentansvar.

The decision applies to the transport of packaging made of paper, plastic, metal, and glass between transshipment stations, collection facilities, and sorting and recycling facilities within Sweden.

Significant progress already made
The transition to fossil-free transports is already underway. Currently, 22 percent of transports between transshipment stations and collection facilities are fossil-free. In the plastic stream, 80 percent of transports from collection facilities to sorting facility are already fossil-free. Today’s fossil-free transports mainly uses HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oil), a renewable fuel with a lower climate impact than fossil fuels.

– The goal is ambitious, but we believe it is entirely achievable. We are on track to reach 100 percent fossil-free transports by the coming turn of the year, Rizwan Baig continues.

Follow-up method
To ensure compliance with the fossil-free fuel requirements, NPA is developing a method for follow-up and verification of suppliers and contractors. The method includes, among other things, random sampling of fuel to verify that the transports are carried out according to the agreement.

– It’s important that we not only set requirements but also follow up and verify that they are being met. Therefore, the work of developing a method for monitoring is central, concludes Rizwan.