The option to purchase new diesel-powered HGVs currently ends in 2040, a mere 2-3 vehicle lease cycles away, yet many FMCG suppliers are still struggling to define their strategies to tackle Scope 3 emissions. They tell us they feel held back by the lack of clarity about the benefits and limitations of the options, not knowing whether or how to combine the options or how much they should be paying.
This year saw the introduction of Simply Supply Chain’s ‘Decarbonising Logistics Initiative’—set up with the aim of helping our supplier members explore the available options and understand what they can do to accelerate their plans towards net-zero emissions.
What quickly became evident was that, although many of our members already have corporate ESG statements, often with clear plans for Scope 1 and 2 emissions, most have yet to develop a comprehensive plan to address their Scope 3 emissions.
As a direct response, we held a Decarbonising Logistics Showcase event—an opportunity to bring suppliers and operatives together under one roof to create a ‘safe learning space’ for all.
Last week, we welcomed over 40 FMCG suppliers, exhibitors, and industry experts to The Hub DIRFT for the inaugural Decarbonising Logistics Showcase.
Philip Roe, President of Logistics UK, opened the event with an incredibly insightful yet direct keynote speech on how the UK logistics sector, as a contributor of c20% of the nation’s carbon emissions, has a crucial role in achieving the UK’s net-zero goals. Setting the tone for the day, Phil’s words delivered a powerful message: although the Freight Energy Forum and ZEHID trials have begun, an urgent injection of pace is needed to meet UK targets. He drove home the point that the time for action is now, urging suppliers and product owners to accept that they hold the key to decarbonising their transport operations.
With exhibitors and industry experts presenting on alternative fuel solutions, load and vehicle fill optimisation, and modal shifts to rail, delegates were able to engage in highly interactive sessions with ample opportunities to see, touch, and experience the different options available now. One delegate commented, “Having an electric HGV in a meeting room was a first for me!” - Volvo Trucks UK.
Nestlé kindly loaned us a Bio-LNG gas truck for the day and GasRec facilitated a tour of their refuelling station nearby. Freightliner presented on innovations around a shift to rail, the Malcolm Group shared insights on their Scope 3 strategy, and Project Jolt showcased their joint operator EV trial (enabling suppliers to participate in an eHGV trial without needing to buy one).
The response to this event has been nothing short of incredible. Our aim was to offer an educational experience for FMCG suppliers—providing them with the tools to initiate the right conversations and demystify logistics decarbonisation. The positive feedback we received was truly humbling. Comments included praise for the “exceptional quality of presentations, highly engaging content, and the opportunity to pose specific questions and receive transparent answers.” Delegates particularly appreciated the ‘theatre’ element of the day—being able to see, touch, and experience trucks firsthand.
There was a palpable buzz about what’s possible, underscoring the need for targeted Scope 3 logistics plans for procurement teams, service providers, OEMs, and customers to drive change—because it won’t happen unless suppliers take the lead.
The overwhelmingly positive support for a community-led approach, via our Decarbonising Logistics Workgroup in 2025, was hugely encouraging. This workgroup aims to enable members to share their learnings in a safe space and accelerate (as well as de-risk) plans to reduce emissions. We’re excited to get started in earnest!
Phil Roe succinctly summed up the day’s key takeaway in one simple yet critical sentence: “Don’t let perfect get in the way of being good.”
Start now.
