United Biscuits (UB), the biscuit and snack manufacturer, has extended its fleet of trucks fuelled by waste cooking oil to 16.

The six additional 44-tonne Euro VI vehicles run on a dual fuel system, with Ultra Biofuel, which produces 97% less carbon than traditional diesel, comprising 85% of the total fuel used. UB claims this results in an overall CO2 saving of 82.5%, the equivalent of 1.5 million truck miles per year.

The project was launched in 2012 in collaboration with Convert2Green and the University of Leeds Energy Institute. Research by the University of Leeds showed the fuel also caused a reduction in particulate emissions for no deterioration in engine performance or fuel consumption.

UB has launched other green initiatives as part of its ‘Fewer and Friendlier Miles Campaign’, including the introduction of 62-metre-long trailers operating under an extended Department of Transport trail. UB said these carried 15% more pallets, reducing road miles by 450,000 per annum.

National Transport Awards

In September, the UB partnership won Low Carbon Fuel Initiative of the Year at the Low Carbon Vehicle Champions Awards and, in October, these and other initiatives won UB the title of Freight Operator of the Year at the National Transport Awards.

Rob Wright, head of distribution at UB, said: “The success of our Biofuel project has surpassed all our expectations and has been inspiring for all those involved, demonstrating the huge potential of power from waste. The benefits of recycling waste cooking oil from our food factories is another step along United Biscuits’ green journey, which has already seen us make significant gains in reducing carbon emissions across our logistics business.

“It is estimated that the UK generates 250 million litres of waste oils a year and we are delighted to be able to demonstrate a sustainable use for this waste material, with potential to deliver significant CO2 savings from transport within the UK. We firmly believe this approach and technology is scalable and we hope to set a precedent that other organisations will follow. We are open to working with suppliers, customers and competitors to share our experiences and expertise.”

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