Twenty-five more Biffa vehicles make the switch to HVO

In partnership with Certas Energy, Biffa has moved 25 of its transfer station plant vehicles within its industrial and commercial (I&C) division over to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel. Across the company, the goal is to reach 10% of plant and refuse collection vehicles running on alternative fuels by the end of this year as part of Biffa’s decarbonisation strategy. Alongside using HVO to reduce emissions, these 150 alternatively fuelled vehicles include some EVs. 

Monica Heenighan, Biffa’s I&C North area director said: “In just six months, we’ve increased our alternative fuel fleet from 3% to 15% across the Midlands and North West, which is a fantastic achievement. 

“HVO vehicles allow us to be greener faster and are a crucial step to reducing emissions. Achieving our 2030 target will depend on the government coming forward with an infrastructure strategy for commercial vehicles, followed by a rapid implementation plan that has a positive impact on the commercial vehicle supply chain. We look forward to continuing to play our part in the UK’s transition to a greener, circular and more sustainable economy.”

Until there are appropriate electric or hydrogen solutions, HVO and electric in some areas is helping the company to reduce emissions. Compared with regular diesel, HVO is said to reduce overall carbon emissions by around 90%. The HVO will be supplied by Certas Energy. 

Darren Holloway, commercial director for energy solutions at Certas Energy, said: "After an excellent year for HVO, we are thrilled to kickstart 2025 by announcing this partnership with Biffa and to support their transition to net zero. Up and down the country, we are seeing more customers choose HVO as a short and medium-term solution to immediately and drastically reduce carbon emissions.”

By switching to HVO at its Midlands and North West transfer stations, Biffa is able to save more than 280 tonnes of CO2 in six months. These locations manage waste and recycling from businesses in urban areas such as Coventry, Birmingham and Manchester.