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Michelin relies on HVO100 for tire transport

The tire manufacturer thereby saves more than 1,000 tons of CO2.

Michelin relies on HVO100 and thereby saves more than 1,000 tons of CO2 in tire transport. (Michelin)
Michelin relies on HVO100 and thereby saves more than 1,000 tons of CO2 in tire transport. (Michelin)
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Claus Bünnagel

For tire transportation from the European central warehouse in Landau to intermediate storage locations in southern Germany, Michelin will henceforth rely on the alternative fuel HVO100 (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), i.e., pure hydrotreated vegetable oil. Trucks from the logistics company GR Logistik will cover approximately 1.6 million kilometers this year on behalf of the tire manufacturer. By switching from conventional diesel to HVO100, they will save more than 1,000 tons of CO2 on this route. The ecological fuel alternative reduces CO2 emissions by up to 90%, while also decreasing particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide emissions.

Now approved for petrol station sales

It was only last November that the federal government approved the sale of fuel made from biological waste materials at petrol stations.

“Our goal is to take on a pioneering role in the industry when it comes to sustainability issues,” said Wolfgang Weynand, Head of Logistics for the DACH market at Michelin.

After the government paved the way for HVO100, things moved quickly: Michelin secured the necessary fuel amount for 2024, and the vehicles of their logistics partner are already running on HVO100. For 2025, Michelin plans to expand to other contract partners in Northern and Eastern Germany.

“In addition to ecological aspects, we always aim to identify economic and, above all, practical approaches for more sustainability,” Weynand continued. “By switching to HVO100, we immediately achieve a positive effect on our climate balance, as our CO2 emissions noticeably decrease from the first tank load onwards. It was also important for us that our shipping partner can use the new fuel easily and without further effort.”

This is the case with HVO100: For transports for Michelin, the logistics company GR Logistik exclusively uses Mercedes trucks. They are approved by the manufacturer for the use of HVO100, so no modifications to the diesel engines were necessary.

Further Initiatives

Michelin is advancing various sustainability initiatives along the value chain and throughout the Northern Europe region. For instance, trucks in Sweden are already operating on behalf of Michelin using biogas and HVO100. Recently, Michelin also announced that a tire recycling plant in a joint venture with Enviro and Antin Infrastructure will be established in Uddevalla, Sweden, which will recycle 35,000 tons of old tires per year. By 2030, CO2 emissions across all European logistics are expected to decrease by 15% at the French tire manufacturer. By 2050, Michelin aims to be completely climate neutral, with all tires made from 100% renewable or recycled materials.

What Does This Mean?

HVO100 is naturally not available in unlimited quantities and can therefore only serve as a solution in niches. Nonetheless, it is commendable that Michelin is seeking and implementing an alternative to diesel and CNG for such a niche – thereby setting an example in the industry.

Translated automatically from German.
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