Distribution fleet to run on biodiesel
Tesco is converting its 2,000-strong fleet of distribution lorries to biodiesel. Three-quarters of the vehicles will be using the fuel by January.

The trucks will run on a biodiesel blend called B50, which is 50 per cent diesel blended with 50 per cent biofuel - a renewable fuel made from agricultural crops.

Tesco will have the first major fleet in the UK to use this 50:50 mix, setting the supermarket apart from other major UK grocers in the battle to be greenest.

The grocer said the initiative would cut carbon-dioxide emissions by more than 70,000 tonnes a year. Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy described it is an 'extraordinary change' for the retailer.

Tesco distribution director Laurie Mcllwee said: 'We're experiencing a huge demand for more environmentally friendly fuels and are committed to driving down carbon dioxide emissions.'

Tesco's fuel supplier Greenergy chief executive Andrew Owens said: 'Tesco continues to be a pioneer in the UK bio-fuels market setting the standard that others will have to follow.

'Their support has not only given a significant commercial boost to the UK biofuels market, but has also established blended biofuels as a credible alternative to traditional petrols and diesel.'

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