DB Schenker and Mercedes-Benz Set a New Record in Sustainable Aviation Fuel Usage

DB Schenker and Mercedes-Benz Set a New Record in Sustainable Aviation Fuel Usage

(IN BRIEF) DB Schenker and Mercedes-Benz have set a new industry benchmark by finalizing the largest-ever order of Sustainable Aviation Fuel, amounting to roughly 13,000 tons. This significant purchase is expected to cut CO2e emissions by 40,000 tons for Mercedes-Benz and will power air shipments from Frankfurt to China, reinforcing the companies’ commitment to sustainable logistics and the drive toward carbon neutrality.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESSEN/STUTTGART, 12-Mar-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — In a landmark move for green logistics, DB Schenker has supplied Mercedes-Benz with its largest ever order of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), marking a new chapter in low-emission air freight. This record-setting agreement involves the procurement of approximately 13,000 tons of SAF, which is projected to reduce Mercedes-Benz’s CO2e emissions by 40,000 tons. The biofuel will power air shipments from Frankfurt to key destinations in China, including Beijing and Shanghai.

This collaboration builds on a long-established partnership between DB Schenker and Mercedes-Benz, spanning decades across various transport modes such as land, air, ocean, and warehouse management. Thorsten Meincke, Global Board Member for Air & Ocean Freight at DB Schenker, emphasized the significance of this agreement:

“Achieving carbon neutrality is a long-haul journey. Our new biofuel agreement with our trusted partner Mercedes-Benz sets a new benchmark for sustainability commitments. By working together, we are actively and immediately reducing emissions in intercontinental supply chains. This contract represents one of the largest-ever SAF deals in the entire automotive and logistics industries globally. I look forward to seeing more customers join us.”

Elke Pusskeiler, Head of Supply Chain Management at Mercedes-Benz AG, underscored the importance of this initiative as part of the company’s broader “Ambition 2039” strategy. She noted that the focus on CO2 avoidance and reduced emissions across all transport modes is vital for reaching their sustainability targets:

“Utilizing Sustainable Aviation Fuel for air freight allows us to cut emissions. Together with DB Schenker, we made another significant achievement in our efforts for sustainable logistics.”

The SAF used in this partnership is derived from waste materials such as used frying oil and is produced without certified palm oil, ensuring an average 80% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional jet fuel. Although SAF is more costly—currently three to five times the price of fossil-based fuel—it offers a tangible solution to diminish the environmental impact of air transport. The established process of virtual allocation ensures that each ton of SAF used translates directly into an equivalent reduction of conventional kerosene consumption.

This breakthrough agreement not only highlights the potential of SAF in reducing aviation emissions but also reinforces the commitment of both DB Schenker and Mercedes-Benz to driving sustainable change in the global supply chain.

Further information for editors

• CO2e avoidance: The amount of CO2e released during combustion in the jet engine is equal to the amount of CO2e removed from the atmosphere during the photosynthesis phase of the plants employed to produce the oil the SAF is refined from. While the actual physical insertion of SAF might occur on different flights and airports, the respective amount of conventional kerosene is avoided. This established process is called virtual allocation.
• Calculation: The method for calculating life cycle emissions and their reductions complies with the EU Renewable Energy Directive II (2018/2001/EU). These are accounted for under Scope 3.
• Financial commitment: DB Schenker only uses biofuel which is certified palm oil free. Currently, the market price for SAF is 3-5 times more expensive than regular fossil-based fuel.
• Airline partners: The SAF utilized for Mercedes-Benz’ supply chain is being utilized on several globally operating carriers.

Mercedes-Benz AG at a glance
Mercedes Benz AG is part of the Mercedes Benz Group AG with a total of around 175,000 employees worldwide and is responsible for the global business of Mercedes Benz Cars and Mercedes Benz Vans. Ola Källenius is Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes Benz AG. The company focuses on the development, production and sales of passenger cars, vans and vehicle-related services. Furthermore, the company aspires to be the leader in the fields of electric mobility and vehicle software. The product portfolio comprises the Mercedes Benz brand with Mercedes AMG, Mercedes Maybach and G Class with their all-electric models as well as products of the smart brand. Mercedes Benz AG is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of high-end passenger cars. In 2024 it sold around 2,4 million passenger cars and vans. In its two business segments, Mercedes Benz AG is continually expanding its worldwide production network with more than 30 production sites on four continents, while gearing itself to meet the requirements of electric mobility. At the same time, the company is constructing and extending its global battery production network on three continents. As sustainability is the guiding principle of the Mercedes Benz strategy and for the company itself, this means creating lasting value for all stakeholders: for customers, employees, investors, business partners and society as a whole. The basis for this is the sustainable business strategy of the Mercedes Benz Group. The company thus takes responsibility for the economic, ecological and social effects of its business activities and looks at the entire value chain.
www.mercedes-benz.com

Media Contact:

Mario Arnold
Head of Global Public Relations / Media Spokesperson
Tel. +49 1523 7478808
Mail: mario.arnold@dbschenker.com

SOURCE: DB Schenker