DHL Express and Alexion Join Forces

DHL Express and Alexion have joined forces to transport pharmaceuticals using 100 per cent sustainable aviation fuel.

This fuel change will deliver an average reduction of over 80 per cent in greenhouse gas emissions compared to standard aviation fuel and will contribute to Alexion's goal of decarbonising its global supply chain.

Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease and DHL Express have announced a significant partnership aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from the air transport of specialised pharmaceuticals manufactured in Ireland. In doing so, Alexion has become the first company to sign up for a 100 per cent transition from conventional aviation fuel to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Ireland. This alternative fuel will deliver an average reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of more than 80 per cent compared to conventional aviation fuel. Alexion's European route deliveries covering 19 European countries will now use more environmentally friendly aviation fuel.

Provided through the DHL GoGreen Plus service, SAF easily replaces conventional fuel without requiring any modifications to aircraft engines. Produced from waste and residue-based feedstocks such as used cooking oil, SAF stands out as a more sustainable fuel compared to conventional fossil jet fuel derived from crude oil.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transport of pharmaceutical products forms an important part of AstraZeneca's comprehensive sustainability strategy. This strategy includes a focus on establishing partnerships across the healthcare sector, including the decarbonisation of the supply chain. The company aims to reduce its footprint (absolute Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions) by half by 2030 compared to the 2019 baseline year and to achieve science-based net zero carbon targets by 2045.

Sylvia Kiely, Vice President of Global Supply Chain and Product Strategy Leader at Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, commented: "Transitioning to Sustainable Aviation Fuel represents a significant milestone on our journey to reaching our Scope 3 targets and achieving science-based net zero by 2045. Through our partnership with DHL Express, we have committed to an immediate 100 per cent switch rather than gradually increasing the SAF share over time, which demonstrates how seriously we take our environmental responsibility."

Brian Murray, Commercial Units Director at DHL Express Ireland, said: "We are excited to partner with Alexion. Our GoGreen Plus service, which uses Sustainable Aviation Fuel with reduced emissions, demonstrates the tangible impact of joint efforts to decarbonise the logistics sector and support our customers in achieving their sustainability targets. This initiative aligns with DHL's sustainability strategy and our goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2050".

The countries in which pharmaceuticals will be delivered under the GoGreen Plus service include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Guernsey, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.