The road to Net Zero

ACCELERATING THE decarbonisation of the logistics industry is an urgent priority to protect the future of our planet. Logistics UK is determined to work with its members, government, and other stakeholders to transition the industry to net zero emissions effectively, and at pace. 

In 2021, Logistics UK launched its Route to Net Zero commitment, where it is asking its members to pledge to decarbonise their operations as quickly and as effectively as possible to help speed up the UK’s path to net zero by 2050. Commitment members now represent a vast array of companies involved in logistics across all modes and disciplines, including UPS, DHL UK, John Lewis Partnership, Wincanton, Scottish Water, and Royal Borough of Greenwich, as the sector unites to drive forward the decarbonisation of the UK economy. 

The pathway to net zero is challenging for many of our members, as some of the technology solutions required are still being developed. For example, zero emission (at the tailpipe) solutions for larger, long-haul HGVs are yet to be determined, with battery electric, electric road systems and hydrogen solutions all being explored. While industry awaits the results of government trials, uncertainty over feasible options for HGVs remain. Logistics UK is urging the government to provide certainty on its preferred route to decarbonisation for these vehicles by mid-2020s to make the 2050 net zero deadline possible. 

While Logistics UK’s members are committed to decarbonising their operations, action from members and the wider logistics industry will go only so far: to achieve net zero, industry needs the right technologies and vehicles that are viable commercially, with the right supporting infrastructure.

To detail the measures industry needs from government and policymakers to make net zero by 2050 a reality for logistics, Logistics UK prepared The Route to Net Zero: A Manifesto for Logistics, which provides a road map to decarbonise logistics across all transport modes: air, road, sea and rail.

While the road to net zero emissions is proving to be challenging and complex, the determination we are seeing from both the logistics industry and the government is encouraging and will be instrumental in making this a reality. With both factions working together, we are confident UK logistics will be transformed in the coming years. 

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. 

By Michelle Gardner, head of public policy, Logistics UK

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