Moving our fleet to Biogas

At Lidl, we’re on a mission to reduce the impact of our delivery fleet and make significant changes that contribute to a greener and cleaner environment.

Biogas (or Biomethane) is a renewable fuel produced sustainably through anaerobic digestion. This is a process where bacteria breaks down organic matter such as food and animal waste as well as rubbish and sewage in the absence of oxygen to produce biogas which can then be used as vehicle fuel.

Producing up to 85%⁽¹⁾ less harmful Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, biogas is a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based diesel and is a clean, carbon-neutral source of energy.

(1) https://cngfuels.com/

Transport accounts for almost 30%⁽²⁾ of the UK’s total GHG emissions, with Heavy Goods Vehicles contributing 5%. By switching to biogas, we’re able to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a sustainable energy future.

By converting the methane already present in organic waste, the energy is productively used and has a lower impact on the environment compared to fossil fuels.

(2) Reference: Department of Transport, Transport and Environment Statistics2021 Annual report, May 2021

Our food waste is sent from the store to the RDC (Regional Distribution Centre). From there, it is sent to our waste contractors and AD (Anaerobic Digestion) plants in Scotland, the South West, North East and Northampton.

The food waste is converted to biogas at the AD plant and the biogas is consequently pumped into the national grid, avoiding the need for additional trucks to transport fuel across the country.

Biogas can then be taken out at fuelling stations and used as fuel for trucks.