This partnership fits seamlessly into the DHL Group’s sustainability strategy, which aims to reduce all logistics-related emissions to net-zero by 2050.
- Partnership reduces Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from road transportation by up to 90 percent while switching from diesel to hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO)
- HVO will be used to deliver medicines to ten countries, with approximately 500 deliveries per year
- Alexion as an industry pioneer for climate-friendly pharmaceutical transportation
Bonn, Dublin – DHL Global Forwarding, Freight and Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, are strengthening their collaboration, which began in 2015, with a pioneering step towards more sustainability. The two partners will use hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional diesel for the European road transport of pharmaceutical products.
The use of HVO, one of DHL’s sustainable approaches, will reduce annual Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by up to 90 percent compared to diesel fuel. The initiative covers both domestic and international routes from the Dublin and Athlone facilities.
Maurice Meade, Managing Director at DHL Global Forwarding Freight Ireland, says: „This is another step in the right direction as we strive to run more sustainable operations for our customers that reduce the inherent Greenhouse emissions in transporting goods. We are delighted to see Alexion be one of the trailblazers to make this significant switch in approach and thereby follow-up on their sustainability goals with clear actions“.
Alexion sets new standards for sustainable pharmaceutical logistics
With this change, Alexion is taking on a pioneering role in the pharmaceutical industry in Ireland.
„Today’s announcement with DHL to move from Diesel to HVO fuel is another milestone in our commitment to reducing our environmental impact, and dependency on fossil fuels within our global supply chain in relation to Scope 3. By working with our partners such as DHL to extend eco-conscious practices to our full freight network, we can further minimize our environmental impact and dependency on fossil fuels within our global supply chain.“
Sylvia Kiely Vice President – Global Supply Chain and Product Strategy Lead, Alexion AstraZeneca Rare Disease emphasizes the importance of the initiative.
In line with DHL’s sustainability strategy
This partnership fits seamlessly into the DHL Group’s sustainability strategy, which aims to reduce all logistics-related emissions to net-zero by 2050. It underlines DHL’s ability to develop innovative and customized solutions for specific customer requirements while making a significant contribution to decarbonizing transport and logistics.
With 500 HVO-based deliveries annually to ten European countries, the cooperation between DHL Global Forwarding, Freight and Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease sets new standards for sustainable logistics in the pharmaceutical industry.
DHL – The logistics company for the world
DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 395,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.
DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 81.8 billion euros in 2023. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050
About Alexion
Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, is focused on serving patients and families affected by rare diseases and devastating conditions through the discovery, development, and delivery of life-changing medicines. A pioneering leader in rare disease for more than three decades, Alexion was the first to translate the complex biology of the complement system into transformative medicines, and today it continues to build a diversified pipeline across disease areas with significant unmet need, using an array of innovative modalities. As part of AstraZeneca, Alexion is continually expanding its global geographic footprint to serve more rare disease patients around the world. It is headquartered in Boston, MA, US
Source: DHL
