Marks & Spencer adopts lower-emission lorries in an aim to slash carbon emissions

Marks & Spencer is introducing 85 such vehicles to its fleet, across its food and clothing and home logictics network. The initaitive means that almost 10% of the retailer’s transport fleet will be “powered by zero or lower-emission solutions”.

Five zero-emission battery electric HGVs will operate between M&S’ clothing and home distribution centre in Welham Green, Herts, and 30 shops in London and the southeast. The Renault trucks will replace equivalent diesel vehicles. 

M&S’ clothing and home arm is also taking delivery of 30 trucks that run on compressed natural gas and has introduced 50 such vehicles to its food logistics business gist as part of a wider food supply chain transformation drive. 

The switch is part of M&S’ Plan A sustainability programme’s ‘roadmap to net zero’ by 2040. Other recent initiatives include investments in projects funded through M&S’ Plan A Accelerator Fund, such as producing green hydrogen through electrolysis technology using wind and solar power generated on farms to replace fossil fuels.

M&S head of group transport Julian Bailey said: “Adapting our logistics network is vital in achieving our Plan A net zero ambitions. We’re committed to reducing carbon emissions from our transport and through collaboration, we are able to reduce carbon, save energy, and drive operational efficiencies across the business. By trialling new vehicle technologies, we’re able to deliver our products to our depots and stores with a lower impact on our planet.”