DHL and Henkel Collaborate to Reduce Ocean Freight Emissions

What's Happening?

DHL Global Forwarding and Henkel are expanding their partnership to include the use of sustainable marine fuel (SMF) for ocean freight, following a successful pilot program in 2024. This initiative is part of their broader commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The agreement covers 9,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of ocean freight throughout 2025, managed under DHL's GoGreen Plus service. The use of SMF is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 4,700 tonnes of CO2e. DHL, a global logistics provider, and Henkel, a chemicals and consumer goods company, are leveraging this collaboration to demonstrate a viable path for decarbonization in the maritime logistics sector.

Why It's Important?

The collaboration between DHL and Henkel is a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in the logistics industry, particularly in ocean freight, which is a major contributor to global emissions. By adopting sustainable marine fuel, the companies are setting a precedent for other industry players to follow, potentially accelerating the transition to greener logistics practices. This initiative aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and supports the sustainability goals of both companies. The reduction in emissions not only benefits the environment but also enhances the corporate social responsibility profiles of DHL and Henkel, potentially influencing consumer and investor perceptions.

What's Next?

As DHL and Henkel continue to implement sustainable practices, other companies in the logistics and manufacturing sectors may be encouraged to adopt similar measures. The success of this initiative could lead to broader industry adoption of sustainable fuels, contributing to global decarbonization efforts. Both companies will likely monitor the impact of SMF on their operations and emissions, potentially expanding the use of sustainable fuels across other areas of their supply chains. The collaboration may also prompt further innovations in sustainable logistics solutions, driving industry-wide change.