Driving change: DB Schenker supplies Mercedes-Benz with record SAF volume

New high score: The largest single volume order of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by a DB Schenker customer has been placed by Mercedes-Benz. 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 being accredited towards export air freight shipments from Frankfurt to Beijing and Shanghai.

Thorsten Meincke, Global Board Member for Air & Ocean Freight, DB Schenker: “Achieving carbon neutrality is a long-haul journey. Our new biofuel agreement with our trusted partner Mercedes-Benz sets a new benchmark for sustainability commitments. By working together, we are actively and immediately reducing emissions in intercontinental supply chains. This contract represents one of the largest-ever SAF deals in the entire automotive and logistics industries globally. I look forward to seeing more customers join us.”

Elke Pusskeiler, Head of Supply Chain Management, Mercedes-Benz AG: “As part of our ‘Ambition 2039’ for Mercedes-Benz Cars, we aim to reduce CO2 emissions in logistics by 60% compared to 2021. Our sustainability strategy focuses on CO2 avoidance and on the reduction of emissions for all modes of transport in inbound and outbound. Utilizing Sustainable Aviation Fuel for air freight allows us to cut emissions. Together with DB Schenker, we made another significant achievement in our efforts for sustainable logistics.”

DB Schenker and Mercedes-Benz have had a strong partnership for many decades. The joint business stretches across several modes of transport, including land, air, and ocean transport as well as warehouse management. When DB Schenker launched the world’s first regular cargo flight covered by SAF in 2021, Mercedes-Benz was among the initial customers.

While the usage of SAF alone cannot fully eliminate emissions from air transport, it is an available alternative and tangible step in reducing the environmental impact of aviation. It is a well-tested alternative to conventional jet fuel. Produced from waste materials such as used frying oil, it reduces lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 80% compared to fossil fuel.