Lemvigh-Müller takes climate quantum leap on green distributions

Soon, industrial, construction and craft companies will have their supplies of technical articles, tools and protective equipment delivered in a more climate-friendly way as Lemvigh-Müller switches to the fossil-free fuel HVO100 diesel, which saves the climate up to 90 percent CO2.

“Sustainability is high on the agenda of our customers. Not least the industry, but also a lot of installation companies focus on reducing their CO2 emissions to a minimum. We have a task in helping our customers to achieve this, and furthermore, it is in Lemvigh-Müller's DNA to take social responsibility. By switching to climate-friendly HVO100, we help our customers become greener, just as we become greener ourselves - for the benefit of the climate", says Christian Herbert, Commercial Director, Lemvigh-Müller.

7 million climate-friendly kilometers

Initially, Lemvigh-Müller has entered into an agreement with DSV, who is responsible for the distribution of goods from the wholesaler's technical warehouses. From February 1st 2021, waste-based HVO100 will be filled onto DSV’s trucks, corresponding to how many kilometers they drive for Lemvigh-Müller. 7.2 million driven kilometers each year and a consumption of 1,700,000 liters of fuel have an immense effect on the green accounts.

Lemvigh-Müller is the first Danish wholesaler to use HVO100. Morten Kjærgaard, Vice President in DSV Road describes the agreement as unique and innovative and says:

”I am incredibly proud on behalf of DSV. Not only is this agreement the result of a close and solution-oriented collaboration with our long-time customer Lemvigh-Müller; the size of this national agreement sends a clear signal that the will to continue the green transition for the benefit of us all has by no means lessened, although the Covid-10 pandemic has stolen the agenda”.

Quantum leap in CO2 reduction

Wholesalers’ distribution accounts for their largest CO2 footprint, and Lemvigh-Müller sees HVO100 as the way forward in the coming years, until it is possible to use, for example, pure electricity:

“We want a distribution solution that makes the greatest possible difference here and now for the climate, for our customers and for their targets for CO2 reduction. With HVO100, we can take a quantum leap and eliminate up to 90 percent of emissions, and at the same time benefit our customers throughout the country, because our distribution through DSV is nationwide” says Christian Herbert.

A sustainability journey in several steps

However, the green transition is not just about distribution for Denmark's largest steel and technology wholesaler:

“We want to contribute to sustainable development and have embarked on a journey where step-by-step we will be launching green initiatives. As a B2B partner for the industry, the construction industry, and the installation sector, we focus on solutions that help them with the green transition. In addition to green distribution, we are also working on e.g. green product lines and sustainable packaging solutions”, says Christian Herbert.

Facts about Lemvigh-Müller's HVO100 solution There are different types of biodiesel. The most climate-friendly is the HVO100, which is produced 100 percent of plant waste and animal waste - i.e. residual products that would otherwise be wasted. Therefore, no new production is required to manufacture the HVO100. HVO100 is also called 2nd generation bio diesel. That is 100 percent fossil-free, and it emits up to 90 percent less CO2 than fossil fuels do. DSV buys HVO100 in a quantity that covers the distribution of Lemvigh-Müller's deliveries and fills the climate-friendly fuel onto their trucks. DSV receives biodiesel from Q8, who guarantees the HVO100 delivered to DSV and Lemvigh-Müller does not contain harmful palm oil and has a documented CO2 reduction of up to 90 percent. The agreement with DSV affects more than 95 percent of Lemvigh-Müller's CO2 footprint on the distribution of technical supplies. DSV drives DKK 7.2 million kilometers each year for Lemvigh-Müller (2020). This equals to 180 trips around the world.