Blog: How Cooking Oil is Changing Logistics...

It's no secret that logistics is the backbone of global trade it's also no secret that it is a major contributor to global carbon emissions. So, what exactly can cooking oil do about it?

Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO)

HVO could be described as diesel's cooler, cleaner cousin. It is a renewable fuel made from vegetables oils, waste cooking oils and animal fats. These materials are put through a process called hydrotreatment which removes oxygen and impurities, producing a fuel that is very similar to diesel but with significantly lower emissions. It is a relatively new technology, with the first commercial operations starting in 2010.

Why is this important to the logistics industry?

The beauty of HVO is that it is a "drop-in" replacement for conventional diesel. There is no need for costly investment in upgrading infrastructure or new vehicles, as most modern HGVs are fully compatible with HVO fuel.

What else does HVO do?

As well as reducing carbon emissions without massive investment, HVO offers further benefits:

• Lower Dangerous Tail Pipe Emissions

HVO not only produces lower carbon emissions than diesel but also produces lower levels of other pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides. This means cleaner air for everyone!

• Improved Engine Performance

With a higher cetane number (similar to an octane rating), HVO offers improved combustion efficiency and cleaner engine performance.

• Renewable & Sustainable Sourcing

The HVO we use at Woodsides is made from renewable, waste-based materials, which means it’s not just reducing emissions—it’s also repurposing waste - a win-win!

So…..why isn't everyone using it already?

HVO offers many benefits, but there are still some obstacles to overcome, for example:

• Feedstock Availability: The sustainability of HVO depends on responsible sourcing. Using waste oils is preferable to avoid competition with food production.

• Cost: HVO is currently more expensive than regular diesel. The good news is the price is expected to drop as production scales up, but this could be tempered by increased demand from the aviation industry for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which relies on the same feedstocks as HVO.

• Location: Availability of HVO varies by region, companies need to be sure they have a stable supply before committing to large-scale adoption.

The road ahead for Woodsides Logistics Group

At Woodside Logistics Group, we believe that sustainability isn’t just a trend; by integrating HVO into our fleet, we’re taking real steps toward reducing our carbon footprint while maintaining the reliability and efficiency our customers expect.

 In 2024 we used 75,000 litres of HVO, saving 175 tonnes of CO2. We also opened our first HVO fuelling station at our depot in Preston, in collaboration with several of our long-term customers.

We aim to increase these numbers in 2025 and with cleaner fuels, smarter logistics, and more fuel efficient vehicles. Through our commitment to innovation we’re driving toward a greener future, one mile at a time.

Join us in leading the shift to cleaner logistics. Get in touch today to explore how we can support your sustainability goals.