Kuehne+Nagel becomes the first air logistics provider to offer its customers the option to purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for each shipment and thus instantly avoid carbon emissions. This new add-on is available on all Kuehne+Nagel air freight quoting platforms and channels, allowing customers to choose carbon neutral transport via their preferred online or offline quoting method.

With the newly launched offering, all Kuehne+Nagel customers can easily opt for SAF to be used instead of fossil fuel for air transport and benefit from net zero carbon emissions air freight services — regardless of airlines used, origin or destination. As SAF still produces some CO2 emissions, carbon neutrality is achieved by substituting each litre of jet fuel kerosene used with 1.33 litres of SAF.

Once the customer requests a quote, the price add-on is instantly calculated alongside all other transport charges and presented as a selectable option. The novelty of the offering also lies in the more intuitive SAF pricing structure. Until now, SAF pricing was quoted on a per litre or CO2 ton avoided basis, whereas now it is linked to the actual weight of a shipment. With this new SAF option, Kuehne+Nagel calculates the SAF usage and provides a quote in the well-known and customer-friendly “per kg” air freight pricing basis. After the booking confirmation, the equivalent volume of SAF is credited from 12.8 million litres of SAF available to Kuehne+Nagel while the customer receives an authorised certificate confirming the emissions saving for purposes of scope three reporting.

Yngve Ruud, Member of the Management Board of Kuehne+Nagel, responsible for Air Logistics, commented: "As part of the Net Zero Carbon programme and migration to a low carbon business model, we keep developing easy and transparent sustainable shipping options so that our customers always have a choice of how they want to minimise the environmental impact of their shipments. With the new SAF add-on now available on all quotes, our customers can quickly shift from intent to climate action."

SAF is currently the most effective measure to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of shipping. While the carbon lifecycle of fossil fuels is linear and results in the release of additional CO2 emissions, the carbon lifecycle of SAF is circular and allows for the reuse of waste or biomass and emissions. SAF significantly reduces the amount of additional carbon introduced into the global carbon cycle by at least 75%.

For more information about Kuehne+Nagel's sustainable aviation fuel offering, please visit the Kuehne+Nagel SAF webpage.

The Very Group, which operates one of the UK’s largest online retailers Very.co.uk, is now compensating all carbon emissions from its inbound logistics via Kuehne+Nagel after joining the global transport and logistics company’s Net Zero Carbon programme.

The first phase began earlier this year, with The Very Group’s sea freight volume being offset. By the end of June, 1,300 tonnes of CO2 – the equivalent to approximately 3,000 barrels of oil being burned – had already been offset.

With the remaining 10,000 containers that The Very Group transports annually via a mix of rail, air and road now also being neutralised, the business has taken an important step closer to its ambition to be net zero for carbon across its operations and supply chain by 2040.

As part of Kuehne+Nagel’s Net Zero Carbon programme, emissions that cannot be reduced to zero by supply chain optimisation are compesated by investing in certified nature-based projects aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (also known as the SDGs).

As a pioneer in sustainable logistics, Kuehne+Nagel launched its comprehensive Net Zero Carbon Programme to encourage visibility, reduction and offsetting of carbon emissions. Since 2020, the company is CO2 neutral for its own, direct CO2 emissions. 

The Very Group has also committed to the British Retail Consortium’s Roadmap to Net Zero, meaning the retailer will bring its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2040.

Phil Hackney, Chief Operating Officer at The Very Group, said: “As a responsible business with a global footprint, we know that we must act now to reduce carbon production in all of our operations. This partnership with Kuehne+Nagel is an important step forward, enabling us to accelerate our journey towards net zero and demonstrating the importance that we place on the long term sustainability of our business as well as our planet.”

Otto Schacht, Member of the Management Board of Kuehne+Nagel International AG, responsible for Sea Logistics, says: “We support our customers and stakeholders in making their supply chains greener through measures we provide across all transport modes including sea freight. Kuehne+Nagel is particularly pleased about the climate partnership with The Very Group, which represents a step towards neutralising our collective carbon footprint in logistics and helping all stakeholders achieve their bold environmental targets.”

Kuehne+Nagel and Lufthansa Cargo have agreed on an exclusive partnership for the promotion and use of synthetic crude oil from NGO atmosfair based in Berlin. The logistics service providers have jointly committed to supporting the world's first production site for synthetic crude oil in Werlte, Emsland (Germany) by purchasing 25,000 litres per year for the next five years. Synthetic fuels have not yet been produced industrially, but are available only in laboratory quantities. This fuel is considered to be the fuel of the future, capable of bringing the CO2 footprint of aircraft engines to zero.

Yngve Ruud, Member of the Management Board of Kuehne+Nagel, responsible for Air Logistics, commented: "Already now, Kuehne+Nagel customers can avoid carbon emissions of their shipments globally with our bio SAF solutions and I am delighted to see that time has come for synthetic SAF as the long‐term solution for aviation. By securing the first power-to-liquid fuel production together with Lufthansa Cargo, we are sending a strong message of commitment and collaboration, inviting our industry colleagues and customers to join us in creating the low-carbon economy of the future already today."

"We clearly see the key to a sustainable reduction of our emissions in flight operations in the research and use of synthetic, sustainable aviation fuels. The fact that we are now pioneering power-to-liquid technology together with Kuehne+Nagel makes us particularly proud and shows once again that we are actively tackling our climate protection challenges," Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO Lufthansa Cargo, explained the strategic background to the partnership with Kuehne+Nagel.

With characteristics almost identical to those of conventional jet fuel, sustainable aviation fuels are an essential pillar on the way to CO2 neutral flying. There are two main types of sustainable aviation fuel – bio SAF and synthetic SAF. 

Until now, Kuehne+Nagel and Lufthansa Cargo have used bio SAF to reduce the carbon footprint of air freight. While bio SAF is produced from biomass (waste products and feedstocks with low carbon content), the primary energy source and feedstocks for the production of synthetic SAF are renewable electricity, water and carbon dioxide (CO2). Synthetic SAF is considered the long‐term solution for the industry as it can be produced without availability limits, avoiding biomass supply limitations, and can reduce emissions up to 100%.

For more information about Kuehne+Nagel's sustainable aviation fuel offering, please visit Kuehne+Nagel SAF webpage.

Inex Partners Oy has once again nominated Kuehne+Nagel as its partner for order and supplier management and overseas ocean freight. Preceded by a 10-year partnership, this contract extension is also based on Kuehne+Nagel’s sustainable transport offering. Inex Partners Oy is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SOK Corporation whose main task is to provide warehousing and transportation services for the grocery and consumer goods chain of the S Group – a customer-owned, Finnish network of companies in the retail and service sectors with more than 1,800 outlets.

In Finland, sustainability is at the top of the national agenda. With its green mindset and world-class research environment, Finland generates sustainable solutions for various industries and areas of life. Moreover, Finland aims to be a carbon-neutral society by the year 2035. As 8% of global CO2 emissions are caused by trade-related freight transport, Finnish companies are also mindful of the emissions caused by their supply chains. Inex Partners Oy has set itself the goal of reducing domestic emissions by 20% by 2025. This will be achieved, in part, by streamlining logistics, optimising routes, and using sustainable fuels as part of Kuehne+Nagel's Net Zero Carbon programme, which aims to reduce CO2 in all of the company's transport and logistics services worldwide.

"We are proud that Inex Partners, together with Kuehne+Nagel, has already achieved carbon neutrality in ocean freight logistics and we will continue our efforts to reduce carbon emissions in other modes of transport globally and domestically," says Lasse Korhonen, Head of International Logistics at Inex Partners Oy.

Otto Schacht, Member of the Management Board of Kuehne + Nagel International AG, responsible for Sea Logistics, says: “Next to being fully carbon neutral in our direct sphere of influence as of 2020, we have decided to proactively address the CO2 footprint of the transportation services performed by our suppliers – airlines, shipping lines and haulage companies – by 2030. We can only achieve this goal together with like-minded customers like Inex Partners Oy, who are willing to work together on a green transformation in logistics.”

Kuehne+Nagel and IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group, completed a chain of 16 charter flights from Stuttgart to Atlanta fully carbon neutral after securing initial 1.2 million litres of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This collaboration marks the first time ever that such a charter chain is operated with net zero carbon emissions. The entire project utilised aircraft primarily suited for passenger travel, but temporarily operated in support of cargo.

The last of the British Airways B787-900 flights left Stuttgart on June 26 with an average of 45 tonnes of automotive spares and other industrial goods from shippers destined for Atlanta. Since it began its charter service last year, Kuehne+Nagel has now completed more than 300 charters - all carbon neutral either via offsetting or use of alternative fuel.

As SAF still produces some CO2 emissions, complete carbon neutrality was achieved by substituting each litre of jet fuel kerosene used with 1.25 litres of SAF. Offering this solution from Stuttgart airport, the initiative highlights the importance of joint efforts for making sustainable transportation choices and possibilities available at close-by airports to local and global industry players avoiding further emissions through trucking goods into major hubs.

Answering growing customer demand for environmentally friendly logistics, Kuehne+Nagel is proactively expanding its sustainable services portfolio with innovative and easily customised shipping options. The overall commitment so far of 12.7M litres of SAF allows Kuehne+Nagel customers to benefit from immediately available alternative fuel solutions to avoid CO2 emissions of their air freight globally.

Yngve Ruud, Member of the Management Board of Kuehne+Nagel, responsible for Air Logistics, commented: “Climate change has now given new urgency to the search for clean, renewable fuels as they are currently the most effective measure to achieve true decarbonisation in our industry. Kuehne+Nagel is committed to increase its supply of SAF as part of our ambitious Net Zero Carbon programme. Our work with our suppliers is critical here, with trusted partners like IAG Cargo playing a vital role in the attainment of our goals by fostering deployment of sustainable fuels so our like-minded customers can ship their products CO2 neutral in an easy and transparent way.”

John Cheetham, Chief Commercial Officer at IAG Cargo, commented: “International Airlines Group was the first European airline group to commit to powering 10 per cent of its flights with sustainable fuel by 2030. These charters mark IAG Cargo’s first step on that journey – I’m incredibly proud of our commitment to long-term sustainability, helping to reduce carbon footprint overall.

“We are constantly looking at ways which reduce our impact on the environment whilst improving our customer offering and we were delighted to support Kuehne+Nagel with sourcing this SAF to power these landmark charters, the first of many.”

SAF is currently the most effective measure to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of shipping. In contrast to fossil fuels, which are exhaustible resources and release additional CO2 emissions, SAF`s are produced from renewable feedstocks and have a circular carbon lifecycle aimed at re-using waste or biomass and emissions produced.

Kuehne+Nagel announces the road-to-rail programme with Japanese automobile manufacturer Honda. The programme increasingly relies on train transport on long haul routes, coupled with the use of regional hubs for improved supply chain performance and reduced carbon emissions.

Kuehne+Nagel first announced its Net Zero Carbon programme in 2019, aiming to address CO2 reduction in transport and logistics services. Since 2020, the company has been CO2 neutral worldwide for all own, direct emissions. Kuehne+Nagel further offers solutions to support customers in reducing their carbon footprint.

Through KN Sincero, a joint venture dedicated to supply chain services for the automotive industry, Kuehne+Nagel has been developing a strong footprint in China. In light of challenges around inbound-to-manufacturing transportation, KN Sincero developed an integrated solution for Honda to convert domestic long-haul trucking to rail, offering consolidations and value-added services including sorting, scanning, repackaging, GPS track & trace, as well as recyclable container management.

After six months, the supply chain reliability and efficiency improved significantly. With this road-to-rail model, approximately 16,000 fewer tonnes of CO2 will be emitted on a yearly base, a reduction of 70% compared to the trucking model.

Mr. Jiang Hui and Mr. Takuji Kitamura, Joint General Manager of Wuhan Dong Hon, the logistics affiliate of Dongfong Honda Automotive said: “Kuehne+Nagel has always been a supply chain partner that we can rely on, to help us improve our supply chain performance whilst also achieving our environmental goals.”

“Automotive is one of the most important sectors in Contract Logistics, particularly in China, the world’s largest automotive market. I am glad that Kuehne+Nagel and Honda share a common vision of service, innovation and sustainability,” said Gianfranco Sgro, member of the Management Board of Kuehne + Nagel International AG, responsible for Contract Logistics.

Building on their successful partnership, Boris Herrmann’s Team Malizia and Kuehne+Nagel are embarking on a new five year engagement including The Ocean Race 2022/23 and the Vendée Globe 2024/25. Herrmann’s athletic performance culminated in a fifth place in this year’s Vendée Globe and created strong enthusiasm and media impact in Germany, France and many other countries around the globe.

The partnership will continue to focus on ocean science and education as well as joint key actions to enable CO2 visibility and CO2 reduction. The promotion of new fuels based on renewable energies complements the common agenda. The mission of Team Malizia is to promote ocean science and environmental education around the world whilst organising touch points and events along race stopovers for businesses to exchange on sustainability initiatives and creating opportunities to interact with local schools, scientists and the general public.

Next to Kuehne+Nagel, Hapag-Lloyd, MSC, Zurich Group Germany, Yacht Club de Monaco and others will join the common race for the future in support of the activities of Team Malizia. All partners unite behind a shared mission to support the United Nations Sustainability Goals (SDGs) and Team Malizia’s “A Race We Must Win” movement which is about increasing ambition around climate action (SDG 13) as one of the most pressing challenges of our time.

“We are all together in one boat in a race against time to find solutions for the climate crisis. Therefore, we want to highlight some of the industry solutions our partners work on, to help inspire a common vision and advocate for ever more ambitious action. The partnership with Kuehne+Nagel is about being an emotional example and ambassadors who can report authentically, since Kuehne+Nagel’s Seaexplorer visualises the carbon emissions of sea freight vessels worldwide and thus enables its customers to choose the service with the lowest CO2 emissions,” explains Boris Herrmann.

Otto Schacht, Member of the Management Board of Kuehne + Nagel International AG, responsible for Sea Logistics, says: “It is a scientifically proven fact that ocean health is ultimately important for human well-being. As part of our corporate identity, Kuehne+Nagel strives for a sustainable future. Environmental protection through CO2 transparency and reduction is one of our company’s major Net Zero Carbon goals. We are excited to continue this journey with Team Malizia to raise awareness and drive a sustainable future.”

Sustainability Report 2020

SailGP today announced Kuehne+Nagel as its official logistics partner for the next three seasons, through 2024. Both partners aim to set a new standard for major event logistics, minimising the carbon footprint of the sail racing league's transport within their climate positive strategy. As part of its Net Zero Carbon programme, Kuehne+Nagel is also pursuing its own goal of being completely CO2 neutral by 2030, including transport emissions from its suppliers (Scope 3 of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol).

Kuehne+Nagel will work with SailGP to support the global logistics of its multi-continent race calendar with industry-leading sustainable shipping methods including alternative fuels. In addition, Kuehne+Nagel gives the league full visibility on all shipping-related emissions through its Seaexplorer platform. The tool will enable SailGP to select more efficient transport routes for future seasons that emit substantially less carbon. For the shipping emissions that can’t be removed or reduced, Kuehne+Nagel will offset the remaining carbon footprint via verified gold standard offsets. Combined, the measures will ensure a 100 per cent CO2 neutral supply chain.

Otto Schacht, Member of the Management Board of Kuehne+Nagel International AG, responsible for Sea Logistics, said: "The Kuehne+Nagel teams in the SailGP event locations are more than delighted to provide logistical support to SailGP at every regatta around the globe. Our partnership is based on the same mindset of caring for the future of our planet. We at Kuehne+Nagel are committed to providing environmentally friendly and sustainable supply chain solutions – also in the events logistics industry."

SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts said: “Our approach to partnerships starts with wanting to work with like-minded organisations that share our vision and align with our values and goals. Kuehne+Nagel is the perfect example of this; they are innovators and leaders in their industry. Our global platform enables us to work together to identify and test innovations that could inspire new sustainability standards for logistics in the events industry and showcase how suppliers can take responsibility for the carbon footprint of their services – as well as help us to come closer to our own goal of being fully powered by nature by 2025.”

Find out more about SailGP’s Race for the Future here.

Kuehne+Nagel and American Airlines join forces to act on climate change, entering into an agreement to deploy more than 11 million litres of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). 11 million litres (3 million gallons) of SAF would enable a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner passenger aircraft to fly 25 times carbon neutral around the world or transport 13 million kg of cargo from London to Dallas on a Boeing 777F cargo aircraft. Kuehne+Nagel customers can now benefit from immediately available SAF solutions to avoid CO2 emissions of their air freight globally.

As part of the Net Zero Carbon programme, Kuehne+Nagel is proactively advancing its sustainable and scalable solutions to decarbonise air freight shipments. SAF is currently the most effective measure to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of aviation and foster transition to carbon neutrality. With the newly launched SAF offering, customers can power their products with alternative fuel directly via the logistics provider. Kuehne+Nagel portfolio of sustainable solutions will be further expanded with innovative and easy shipping options.

Yngve Ruud, Member of the Management Board of Kuehne+Nagel, responsible for Air Logistics, comments: “The demand for environmentally friendly air logistics services is certainly on the rise. Through the innovative collaboration with American Airlines, we commit to support our customers` sustainability ambitions and contribute to the development and widespread use of alternative aviation fuels. We encourage all the industry stakeholders to join us in bringing carbon neutral flying one step closer.”

“Partnering with Kuehne+Nagel as part of our effort to reduce the impact of aviation on our planet has been an incredible example of the kind of collaboration that will drive real change,” said Jessica Tyler, President of American Airlines Cargo and Vice President of Operations Innovation & Delivery. “This strategic, market-based solution will help create a cleaner supply chain and is aimed at accelerating our transition to a low-carbon future.”

SAF is a key element to mitigate aviation's impact on climate change. While the carbon lifecycle of fossil fuels is linear and releases additional CO2 emissions, the carbon lifecycle of SAF is circular aimed at re-using waste or biomass and emissions produced. The result of SAF use is a significantly reduced amount of additional carbon introduced into the global carbon cycle of at least 75%. To ensure full carbon neutrality when using SAF, the remaining CO2 emissions generated during production, processing and transport of SAF can be avoided by overcompensating the amount of jet fuel kerosene replaced by SAF up to a ratio of 1:1.33 or offset via Kuehne+Nagel through carbon reduction projects that carry currently the highest quality certification “Verified Carbon Standard (VCS)” and/or “Gold Standard (GS)”.

Committed to marine protection and sustainable shipping, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, MSC and Kuehne+Nagel support the yacht racing Team Malizia under the motto: "A Race We Must Win". With a strong environmental message, the partners are working for a sustainable future and contributing to ocean health by reducing worldwide CO2 emissions while focusing on the main pillars: CO2 reduction and transparency, science and education.

Team Malizia was founded in 2016 with the aim to perform at the highest level in the Vendee Globe 2020, a solo race around the world which started on November 8, 2020. Besides the sporting ambition, the team has a strong message around climate change and ocean protection geared toward educating kids around the world about what is happening in our oceans. The team has partnerships with leading scientific bodies in order to advance research on ocean CO2 and skipper Boris Herrmann carries an onboard ocean laboratory to measure valuable ocean data during all races.

As Boris Herrmann creates transparency for science, the partners Kuehne+Nagel, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd and MSC create transparency of ocean shipping CO2 emissions. The racing yacht is therefore named after the platform Seaexplorer, the first tool that creates CO2 visibility in maritime logistics. Based on carrier data, the platform gives the partners and their customers insight into the CO2 emissions of various maritime transport services and thus the possibility to choose the most environmentally friendly transport alternatives.

Otto Schacht, Member of the Management Board of Kuehne + Nagel International AG, responsible for sea freight, says: “It is a scientifically proven fact that ocean health is ultimately important for human well-being. As we are all renowned organisations in our respective fields of activity, we want to join forces to achieve an even stronger and broader impact on society. Environmental protection through CO2 transparency and reduction is one of our company’s major sustainability goals.”

Diego Aponte, President & CEO, MSC Group, says: "Understanding the impact of climate change on the environment and on the oceans where we operate is of crucial importance. At MSC, we passionately believe that the path to sustainable shipping involves commitment, innovation, dialogue, advocacy, and investment. That’s why we keep investing in our fleet and in the latest technologies to protect the oceans and the environment, and, why we support Team Malizia's quest to gather scientific data from ocean racing under the leadership of the inspirational Boris Herrmann. MSC is delighted to continue to promote collaboration across all areas of the shipping and logistics sectors in order to help realise the ultimate common goal of a zero carbon future."

Rodolphe Saade, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, CMA CGM, says: “The protection of the environment is a major challenge for the years ahead, and one that we must all address together. It is an integral part of our strategy as demonstrated by our choice to power our future ships using Liquefied Natural Gas. We decided to support Team Malizia because we share the same values and the same commitment to protecting our oceans as their skipper Boris Herrmann.”

“Hapag-Lloyd is committed to a cleaner future for our industry”, says Rolf Habben-Jansen, Chief Executive Officer of Hapag-Lloyd AG. “We have taken significant steps over the last years to improve our own environmental footprint and have succeeded in reducing our CO2 emissions per TEU/kilometer by more than 50 percent since 2008. We believe that sustainability is a marathon rather than a 100-meter sprint. Given this fact, the issue will remain on our strategic agenda for the long term and be given high priority – also and especially in 2020, which has been an unusual year for all of us.”

Vendée Globe 2020 - Watch the video and follow Boris Herrmann live on https://www.borisherrmannracing.com/.

To support the industry’s carbon reduction targets, Kuehne+Nagel and Air France KLM Martinair Cargo have launched the first carbon neutral air freight lane between North America and Europe. This forward-looking initiative marks another step towards the commercial deployment of alternative fuel and companies’ commitment to a sustainable future for aviation.

Proactively addressing its carbon footprint, the year-round transportation of all Kuehne+Nagel cargo on board regular AFKLM flights from Los Angeles to Amsterdam will be fully fuelled by SAF. This first carbon-neutral lane underlines the strong sustainability programmes of both partners, Kuehne+Nagel’s Net Zero Carbon programme and AFKLM’s cargo SAF programme, which aim to connect people and goods through sustainable logistics.

Yngve Ruud, Member of the Management Board of Kuehne+Nagel, responsible for Air Logistics, comments: “The first zero emission route marks the beginning of our journey into CO2 neutral air freight and is another step towards achieving complete carbon neutrality by 2030. At Kuehne+Nagel, we are ready to take leadership and responsibility for the next generation of air transport and encourage our customers and industry colleagues to join us in making sustainable choices available.”

Adriaan den Heijer, Executive Vice President Air France-KLM Cargo and Managing Director Martinair: “The launch of an air cargo SAF programme is an important step in our ambitious sustainability roadmap for the coming years. We are extremely pleased with the willingness and concrete commitment of our partner Kuehne+Nagel to actually shape our common ambition for a more sustainable future. I look forward to other partners joining our SAF programme soon.”

With the chemical and physical characteristics almost identical to those of conventional jet fuel, SAF is the most effective measure the industry has to significantly reduce its carbon footprint. To ensure the lane is fully carbon neutral, all CO2 emissions generated during the production, processing and transportation of SAF will be offset by Kuehne+Nagel supporting carbon reduction projects that carry the highest quality certification currently available: “Verified Carbon Standard (VCS)” and/or “Gold Standard (GS)”.

Kuehne+Nagel Australia provides Afends Pty Ltd. seamless CO2 neutralisation services for their full container load shipments. Climate change is one of the greatest challenges that the world faces today. According to the Australian National University, transport is the second largest source of carbon emissions in Australia after electricity production.

Kuehne+Nagel is actively addressing a reduction of CO2 in logistics worldwide. With its Net Zero Carbon programme, Kuehne+Nagel provides environmentally friendly and sustainable supply chain solutions, enabling like-minded customers such as Afends to fully neutralise the CO2 emissions of their supply chains.

Dane Ward, Head of Sales and Digital at Afends said: "Afends is committed to being environmentally and socio-economically sustainable in all facets of our company. We look forward to partnerships with suppliers that share a common vision of sustainability and creating a positive change. For this reason, we are excited to be a part of Kuehne+Nagel's Net Zero Carbon programme to measure, reduce and offset our carbon emissions."

To support these efforts and beyond, Kuehne+Nagel Australia will provide Afends a solution for complete CO2 neutralisation of their supply chain including sustainable service offerings for Full-Container-Load shipments, transparent carbon emissions reports, CO2 route planning and offsetting of remaining emissions via certified carbon credits from investments in nature-based projects.

"A partnership with Afends in conjunction with our Net Zero Carbon programme is another step in the right direction, displaying dedication to a sustainable future. We look forward to a long relationship that not only delivers mutual benefits, but for the environment also," added Bjoern Johansson, Managing Director, Kuehne+Nagel Australia.

• Publisher of greeting cards becomes the first company in the UK to sign up to Kuehne+Nagel’s industry-leading Net Zero Carbon programme
• UK consumers concerned more than ever about environmental impact of their purchases

Kuehne+Nagel has set out ambitious goals to neutralise the climate impacts of supply chains, and is pleased to announce that UK Greetings has become the first company in the UK to address its CO2 emissions through the Net Zero Carbon programme. UK Greetings are market-leading publishers of greeting cards and gift dressings.

As part of its Net Zero Carbon programme, Kuehne+Nagel offers UK Greetings a complete solution for CO2 neutralisation. By choosing particularly climate-friendly transport solutions and offsetting the remaining emissions with CO2 certificates, UK Greetings’ logistics become climate-neutral. Kuehne+Nagel takes care of the entire process and ensures smooth coordination with the rest of the supply chain.

Ethical consumer spending has hit record levels in the UK, with 43% of UK consumers already actively choosing brands due to their environmental values (Deloitte UK, 2020). It’s clear that consumers are more concerned than ever about the environmental impact of their purchases, and for companies looking to prove their green credentials, a climate-neutral supply chain can be a key differentiator in the UK market. The Net Zero Carbon programme means that both Kuehne+Nagel and its customers are able to fulfil those expectations.

With Net Zero Carbon, Kuehne+Nagel has also set ambitious climate targets for itself. By the end of 2020, the company's own CO2 emissions (Scopes 1 and 2 of the greenhouse gas protocol) will be neutral; by 2030, this will be extended to all transport by suppliers such as airlines, shipping lines and haulage companies (Scope 3).

Richard Wilkinson, Operations Director, UK Greetings Ltd, said: “Businesses have a hugely important role to help build a more sustainable future. UK Greetings actively supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to transform our world by ending poverty and inequality, protecting the planet, and ensuring that all people enjoy health, justice and prosperity. Targeting the climate crisis, UK Greetings are making every effort to reduce carbon emissions from overseas shipping, as we strive to increase manufacturing in the UK. We are excited to join the Net Zero Carbon Programme, which will offset our remaining carbon emissions associated with the importation of our products.”

Kuehne+Nagel UK’s Seafreight Director, Matt Laflin, said: “Almost a year since the introduction of Net Zero Carbon, the programme is becoming increasingly popular with our international customers. We are pleased to support UK Greetings in offering British consumers climate-neutral solutions and making a considerable contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals by opting for a CO2 neutral supply chain.”

For more information on the Net Zero Carbon programme, click here.

• German toy manufacturer Schleich now handles its sea freight on a CO2 neutral basis with Kuehne+Nagel
• Current market environment does not prevent customers from addressing the CO2 emissions of their supply chains
• With Net Zero Carbon, Kuehne+Nagel offers a complete solution for CO2 neutralisation

Even in the currently volatile market environment, solutions for climate-neutral supply chains remain highly popular. Schleich GmbH, one of the largest toy manufacturers in Germany and the leading international provider of realistic animal figures, has decided to neutralise its entire sea freight CO2 footprint with the help of Kuehne+Nagel.

"The decisive factor was Kuehne+Nagel's Net Zero Carbon programme, which sets new standards with CO2 neutral logistics. We are pleased about this cooperation set on common values for the environment and people," says Dirk Engehausen, Chief Executive Officer of Schleich GmbH.

As part of its Net Zero Carbon programme, Kuehne+Nagel offers Schleich a complete solution for CO2 neutralisation. By choosing particularly climate-friendly sea freight connections and compensating the remaining emissions with CO2 certificates, the sea freight of the German toy manufacturer is shipped in a climate-neutral way. Kuehne+Nagel takes care of the entire process and ensures smooth coordination with the rest of the supply chain.

With Net Zero Carbon, Kuehne+Nagel not only supports customers on their way to climate neutrality; the company has also set ambitious climate targets for itself. By the end of 2020, the company's own CO2 emissions (Scopes 1 and 2 of the greenhouse gas protocol) will be neutral; by 2030, this will be extended to all transport by suppliers such as airlines, shipping lines and haulage companies (Scope 3).

Otto Schacht, Member of the Management Board of Kuehne+Nagel International AG, responsible for Sea Logistics, comments: "Our new partnership with Schleich shows that Kuehne+Nagel has its finger on the pulse with its Net Zero Carbon programme. Our ability to offer Schleich a coordinated package for the CO2 neutral handling of sea freight was decisive. We are pleased to actively support Schleich in their ambitious climate goals."

• Own CO2 emissions reduced by 27% over the last ten years
• Net Zero Carbon program paves the way to climate neutrality

The Kuehne+Nagel Group has published its Sustainability Report 2019. The company sets out its performance in the areas of environment, social and governance (ESG). The report follows the structure of the Global Reporting Initiative as well as the 17 goals for sustainable development of the United Nations.

Dr. Detlef Trefzger, CEO of Kuehne+Nagel International AG, says: "Sustainability is a social responsibility and is the duty of every individual. Following the successful completion of our environmental goals set ten years ago, we are now starting the next phase of our sustainability strategy. With our Net Zero Carbon programme, we are taking responsibility for sustainable logistics, hand in hand with our customers and partners".

The KN Green environmental programme initiated in 2010 was completed at the end of last year. All targets were reached or exceeded. Over the last ten years, Kuehne+Nagel was able to reduce the CO2 emissions of its own locations by an impressive 27%. The share of renewable energies in total electricity consumption was 18% and the recycling rate over the ten-year average was 77%. By the end of 2019, the area equipped with LED lighting technology corresponded to around 3.8 million sqm.

With Net Zero Carbon, Kuehne+Nagel has launched a sustainability programme for the next ten years. Kuehne+Nagel is playing a pioneering role in the logistics industry with this programme. By the end of 2020, the company's own CO2 emissions (Scopes 1 and 2 of the greenhouse gas protocol) will be neutral; by 2030, this will be extended to all transport by suppliers such as airlines, shipping lines and haulage companies (Scope 3). Net Zero Carbon leverages three fields of action: detection, reduction and compensation of CO2.

Kuehne+Nagel is a member of SXI Switzerland Sustainability 25, the most important sustainability index in Switzerland. In addition, the company was awarded the prestigious EcoVadis Gold status.