M&S’s supply chain is being given a eco boost with the major UK retailer introducing 85 zero or lower emission vehicles to its logistics fleet. As part of the retailer’s ‘Plan A roadmap to Net Zero by 2040′, their introduction signals a continuing move to “low carbon logistics, increased use of new technologies and cleaner fuels”. 

The new fleet includes five zero emission battery electric HGVs, which will operate between M&S’s Clothing & Home distribution centre in Welham Green and 30 stores across London and the South East, including Oxford Street and Bluewater.

The 42-tonne battery electric Renault trucks will directly replace equivalent diesel trucks.

Their introduce will also help inform M&S’s future planning decisions while it continues to implement cleaner-burn fuels and lower-emission vehicles, it added. 

From September, M&S will also started taking delivery of 30 new vehicles that run on compressed natural gas for its Clothing & Home business, becoming the first retailer to introduce 6×2 CNGs in the UK. 

This follows a long-term collaborative trial with vehicle producer IVECO testing its reliability, fuel economy and green credentials.

Once these 85 vehicles are in operation, almost 10% of the total transport fleet will be powered by zero or lower-emission solutions, it noted.

Julian Bailey, head of Group Transport at M&S, said: “Adapting our logistics network is vital in achieving our Plan A Net Zero ambitions. We’re committed to reducing carbon emissions from our transport and through collaboration we are able to reduce carbon, save energy, and drive operational efficiencies across the business. By trialling new vehicle technologies, we’re able to deliver our products, which are sourced and made with care, to our depots and stores with a lower impact on our planet.”