How LPG forklifts are cutting carbon footprints for logistics companies

FORKLIFT TRUCKS, for example, are essential for ensuring operations run as smoothly as possible, but not all of them are sustainably powered. In fact, Lowering the carbon emissions of forklift trucks: An industry survey report (1), commissioned by Calor, found that 95% of FLT fleet operators felt that much more could be done to lower their carbon emissions.

Here, Calor national accounts manager for FLTs Stuart Viney, explores how, by switching to a sustainable fuel, logistics companies can reap the same benefits as using LPG, while also reducing carbon emissions.

Diesel vs LPG

Diesel is commonly used for FLTs, providing a powerful fuel that is especially suited for outdoor applications. However, it emits high levels of harmful emissions and can also generate high noise levels and soot.

In contrast, LPG emits 98% (2) less particulate matter than diesel. These emissions are lead- and soot-free, and – when fitted with a three-way catalyst – contain very low levels of carbon monoxide and NOx emissions. As a result, FLTs fuelled by LPG can be used almost anywhere, both indoors and outdoors, offering a flexible solution for operators.

LPG vs electric

Electric FLTs have become more popular over time, particularly for their sustainability credentials. They can help improve the air quality on sites and reduce noise pollution due to the quietness of electric vehicles.

However, a significant challenge with electric FLTs is that they require consistent downtime due to continual charging after use, as well as regular equipment checks and ongoing maintenance. 

In comparison, LPG-powered forklifts can run up to three times longer than electric as they do not require as much time to recharge (3). LPG-fuelled FLTs are also generally less expensive to buy and more cost-effective to maintain when considering the cost of replacement batteries for electric models. 

The future of FLT fuels

So, how can FLT managers reap the benefits of LPG powered FLTs but in an even more sustainable way? Sustainable fuels may hold the answer. 

For example, Calor Futuria Liquid Gas (previously BioLPG), is a sustainable fuel made from a blend of waste, residues, and sustainably sourced materials. By switching to Calor’s 40% Futuria Liquid Gas and 60% conventional LPG tariff, businesses can further reduce carbon emissions by up to 48% (4) (kgCO2e/kWh) compared to using diesel and 33% (4) when compared to conventional LPG. 

Futuria Liquid Gas is chemically identical to LPG, so FLT businesses looking to make the switch can ensure cost and operational efficiencies are maintained. Futuria Liquid Gas from Calor is available at no extra cost to their standard LPG and involves minimal investment from companies already running LPG FLTs with a different supplier. 

What’s more, FLTs fuelled by Futuria Liquid Gas often have superior travel speeds, rate of acceleration, and lift speeds compared to their electric counterparts. Futuria Liquid Gas fuelled FLTs can also perform consistently outdoors, including in colder climates.

For more information, visit www.calor.co.uk/flt

Footnotes

¹ Calor – Lowering the carbon emissions of forklift trucks: An industry survey report – 2020: https://www.calor.co.uk/news-and-views/industry-survey-lowering-flt-emissions 

² Results confirmed during testing at Millbrook Proving Ground, October 2010, Report No. MBK 10/1034

³ Atlantic Consulting – LPG for Forklift Trucks Report – 2018

⁴ Table provided by kind permission of GemServ based on emission factor calculations prepared by BEIS 2021. Based on our 40/60 BioLPG Tariff: through a method called mass balancing, we ensure that for each Kg of LPG fuel you purchase from Calor an equal amount of renewable BioLPG energy is purchased and distributed amongst our customers in its place. By opting for a BioLPG tariff, you’re buying into a more sustainable future and contributing to reducing the carbon emissions from the use of LPG.