Kuehne+Nagel (K+N) and the LATAM Group have partnered with a flower industry firm to buy sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) that will offset emissions related to airfreight flower shipments for US Mother's Day on May 12.
The two companies joined forces with the Elite Group to procure 34,615 litres of SAF to transport more than 1.6m flower stems for this year's peak season. K+N said the amount of SAF used on these flights helped to reduce around 55 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
The joint agreement between the three companies follows on from a similar partnership last year when the companies purchased more than 25,000 litres of SAF to cut emissions.
K+N has made reducing emissions in the logistics industry a central element of its strategic Roadmap 2026 and Vision 2030.
Yngve Ruud, executive vice president air logistics at K+N, commented: “It is crucial to drive actions in the industry that emphasise the importance of establishing a sustainability strategy. Based on long-term collaboration, the impacts of the initiatives developed increase over time.
"The decarbonisation challenges faced by logistics companies are ambitious, and the only way to achieve them is by leading the conversation and actions around the ESG agenda at a global level."
Andrés Bianchi, chief executive of the LATAM Group's cargo operators, said: “This alliance deepens the LATAM group's commitment and efforts against climate change, with which we challenge ourselves to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
"Collaboration between the different actors in this industry is essential to advance at the pace necessary to achieve our goals. We hope that examples like this will help to generate more solutions that contribute to decarbonisation and encourage the development of this type of fuel in South America where there is great potential.”
Galo Sánchez, executive vice president at Elite Group, added: "Adopting SAF protects our environment and enhances the reputation of air transport, ensuring the longevity of numerous jobs throughout our supply chain. "
The SAF was produced from used cooking oil, which, after being treated, is mixed with traditional jet fuel. On average, SAF helps to reduce 80% of the carbon footprint when compared to conventional fuel, said K+N.
The LATAM Group recently reported a 20% increase in flower volumes transported in advance of Mothers’ Day celebrations.
