Sainsbury’s to transform food waste into fuel for 30 trucks at its Bristol distribution centre

• The retailer and its supplier RenECO introduce innovative, fully circular, change to HGV fuelling 
• The shift away from diesel will save over 3,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, supporting Sainsbury’s ambition to reduce scope 1 & 2 emissions to become net-zero across operations by 2035 
• The move will power trucks at the business’ Emerald Park distribution centre from March this year  

Sainsbury’s is set to revolutionise its logistics by transforming food waste into fuel for a number of its HGV trucks. From next month, the pioneering initiative will see biofuel produced directly from Sainsbury’s food waste power 30 trucks at its Emerald Park distribution centre in Bristol, half the site’s fleet. This will save over 3,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.

Waste processor RenECO currently works with Sainsbury’s to turn food waste that can’t be donated or used for animal feed into biogas via anaerobic digestion. This circular system will now use the output of this anaerobic digestion, the biogas, to create a liquid biofuel suitable for HGVs.

Unlike traditional methods that mix certified biomethane with non-renewable gases, this system ensures all fuel comes directly from Sainsbury’s waste. By working together, the retailer and supplier have shown how collaboration is key to unlocking new ways of reducing environmental impact.

The circular system also allows for precise tracking of carbon emission reductions, contributing to Sainsbury’s scope 1 & 2 emission reduction target.

Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Chief Property and Procurement Officer, commented: “Today’s announcement underscores the power that collaboration has in driving impactful change across business. We are proud to have worked closely with our supplier RenECO to deliver a pioneering move that supports our commitment to circularity and helps us to take a further step towards becoming net zero across our operations by 2035.”