Today M&S have over 210 bio-CNG trucks in operation, including c.150 Scania 4x2 and 26 Scania 6x2 trucks, with plans to further expand this over the next year. This expansion would increase the size of M&S’ lower-emission fleet to include over 300 bio-CNG vehicles by the end of March 2027. Utilising Bio-CNG is a key enabler in M&S’ commitment to move to a lower-emission vehicle fleet as part of its ambition to become a net zero business across its value chain by 2040.
To enable the rollout, M&S has signed a long-term agreement with CNG Fuels to deliver Mobile Refuelling Stations (MRS) located at distribution centres, providing daily capacity to refuel more than 300 CNG trucks. This complements CNG Fuels’ national network of 16 public-access stations, which is expanding to support up to 20,000 trucks per day by the end of 2028. Bio-CNG is a sustainable and renewable fuel produced from waste feedstocks, including food waste and agricultural by-products such as manure.
Julian Bailey, Transport Director at M&S, said: “Moving to lower-carbon logistics with reduced dependency on diesel and the increased use of new technologies and lower carbon fuels is key to achieving our Plan A Net Zero ambitions. We trialled a range of technologies and have chosen Bio-CNG as a key solution for decarbonising our logistics fleet as it is a proven, flexible and cost-efficient fuel supported by mature infrastructure.”
Philip Fjeld, CEO and co-founder of ReFuels, said: “We are proud to support M&S as they shift towards more sustainable logistics. Biomethane is a cost-efficient here-and-now solution to decarbonise road transport, and our Mobile Refuelling Stations help large fleets decarbonise quickly. This agreement underscores the rapid growth in demand from major UK retailers and distributors.”
Simon Gray, Specialist Sales Manager at Scania UK, said: “We are pleased to be working in collaboration with Marks & Spencer, and to be playing an active role in helping them reach their Plan A Net Zero ambitions.
“At Scania, we are driving the shift towards sustainable transport systems that are better for business, society and the environment. By working together with our partners, we can develop transport solutions that reduce our carbon footprints, while making sure that we continue to meet the demands of a growing population – profitably and sustainably
“It is testament to the vision and the shared values between the three companies that we can work side-by-side. And this is just the beginning, we are very excited to be in partnership with Marks & Spencer and CNG Fuels, and we can’t wait to see how this partnership grows and evolves in the future.”
In addition to biomethane-powered trucks, M&S has 13 zero tailpipe-emission battery electric HGVs and five battery electric Rigids operating across M&S’ M&S Fashion, Home & Beauty and Foods distribution networks.