Yellow goes green: DHL’s 2050 sustainability commitment

We are investing in sustainable logistics for the sake of our future generations. Find out how.

DHL’s role in global trade and sustainability

As one of the world’s largest transport and logistics specialists, we play an important role in international trade and the economy. Our global logistics network keeps the world moving, with reliable transport lanes becoming especially critical in this age of e-commerce and unpredictable trade conditions.

On top of making profits, our values drive us to do business sustainably, in a way that reduces our carbon emissions and supports the communities in which we operate. All businesses should act on this shared responsibility.

Over the past two decades, we have been making green logistics a reality. Our commitment to DHL Group’s Mission 2050: Zero Emissions – to reduce all our logistics-related emissions to zero by the year 2050 – places us at the forefront of sustainable logistics, which is shaping the future of the industry.

“With concerns and effects of climate change on the rise, the business landscape is rapidly changing. We are going beyond providing efficient and trusted service. For the sake of our future generations, we need to work with our partners and customers to ensure business operations are sustainable, leaving only positive impact on the world we live in.”

Tony Khan, President and Representative Director, DHL Express Japan

Sustainability at DHL Japan

In Japan, DHL Express started the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) in 2014 for delivery vehicles. Currently, the business is operating an EV fleet comprising five electric vans, 10 three-ton electric trucks, three electric tricycles, and 10 electric bikes. The company is also working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by installing renewable energy facilities at its Tokyo Distribution Center, a large-scale logistics facility in Shinkiba, Tokyo, having renewed the lease in 2022.

In 2023, the introduction of 19 electric trucks marks even greater progress towards reducing carbon emissions in DHL’s Japan operations. The new zero-carbon fleet includes 18 Hino Dutro Z EVs, a light commercial EV truck made in Japan, and one eCanter made by Mitsubishi Fuso. As a first step in 2023, the four Hino Dutro Z EV will be used for pickup and delivery operations in the Chiyoda, Shibuya, and Taito wards of Tokyo.

What are DHL’s goals for sustainability and environmental protection?

At DHL, our group-wide sustainability commitments are clean operations for climate protection, to be a great place to work for all, and to be a highly trusted provider with good governance.

With the effects of climate change already being felt across the world, we are taking urgent action for the environment. In the lead up to 2050, we have also set ambitious interim goals to significantly reduce carbon emissions.

DHL’s 2030 sustainability goals: sustainable aviation fuel and electric vehicles

By 2030, we aim to hit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets set in line with the Paris Agreement through the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). With a total €7 billion sustainable investments committed, we are actively replacing conventional jet fuel with sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) made with waste oils, such as used cooking oil. SAF can provide greenhouse gas emission reductions of up to 80 percent over its lifecycle compared to conventional fuels.

To get our customers involved, we also launched GoGreen Plus to enable them to reduce their own scope 3 emissions, as well as customize and track their emissions reductions.

In addition, all new DHL buildings will be designed carbon neutral and 60% of our last-mile delivery fleet will be electrified by 2030. Worldwide, this will put more than 80,000 electric vehicles (EVs) on the road, drastically reducing emissions from petroleum vehicles.

Today, many of our customers are already benefiting from our GoGreen solutions within their supply chains – from carbon reports that help them understand and reduce their environmental impact, to electric vehicles for their last-mile deliveries.

Contact our logistics specialists for green shipping solutions

DHL’s sustainable logistics milestones & achievements

We are proud to be setting the bar for industry-leading, environmentally-conscious logistics. Explore this timeline of what we have achieved to date:

Are you ready to join the green logistics revolution? Discover what steps you can take – and the GoGreen solutions which can help – by speaking to one of our DHL specialists today.