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Driving Change: DB SCHENKER Supplies Mercedes-Benz with Record SAF Volume
The thrill of takeoff, the world shrinking beneath us, the promise of new adventures. While we appreciate the speed and global reach that air freight provides both us and our shipped goods, we must also acknowledge its environmental impact.
So how do we balance this with our responsibility to the planet? The answer might lie in a fuel that’s not pulled from the earth but rather made from its vegetation.
Enter Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
SAF – What is That?
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a type of fuel designed to power aircraft while minimizing the environmental impact associated with traditional fossil-based aviation fuels, such as Jet A-1. The goal of SAF is to reduce the carbon emissions and other pollutants generated by aviation, thereby contributing to efforts to mitigate climate change and improve air quality.
From Leftover to Takeoff: How Does SAF Originate?
SAF is typically derived from renewable resources, such as plant-based feedstocks (like used cooking oil, algae, and waste fats), agricultural residues, forestry byproducts, and even municipal waste. These feedstocks are processed through various conversion technologies, such as hydroprocessing or fermentation, to produce a fuel that can be used in existing aircraft engines without requiring major modifications.
A Collaborative Effort
The adoption of SAF, is a collaborative effort, uniting airlines, researchers, and DB SCHENKER customers. Here, DB SCHENKER has already partnered with several renowned international companies, including leaders from the high-tech industry. Now, Mercedes-Benz is setting a new record to make a meaningful impact on sustainability in air freight.
DB SCHENKER and Mercedes-Benz have had a strong partnership for many decades. When DB SCHENKER launched the world’s first regular cargo flight covered by SAF in 2021, Mercedes-Benz was among the initial customers. Together, Mercedes-Benz and DB SCHENKER have reached yet another milestone.
Mercedes-Benz has placed the largest single-volume order for SAF by a DB SCHENKER customer. The record agreement reduces the global automotive company’s CO₂e emissions by 40,000 tons through the procurement of around 13,000 tons of SAF. The biofuel is accredited for export air freight shipments from Frankfurt to Beijing and Shanghai.
DB SCHENKER makes sustainable aviation fuel accessible to businesses worldwide, no matter their location or airline preference. Consider decarbonizing as an optional extra component you can book for any air freight shipments. It's time to buckle up and get on board. Join DB SCHENKER on the way to sustainability.