Fonterra Launches The Switch To Z Biodiesel
Fonterra has taken another step forward in its commitment to environmental sustainability, today launching its switch to
new Z biodiesel – as a foundation customer for the ZBioD fuel.
Fonterra and Z were joined by Minister of Energy and Resources Hon. Simon Bridges, Whakatane Mayor Tony Bonne and other
dignitaries today in celebrating the partnership at the Co-operative’s Edgecumbe site.
Fonterra Chief Operating Officer Global Operations, Robert Spurway said the shift to biodiesel is part of a move towards
greater efficiency and sustainability across all operations, and helping Z make cleaner burning biofuel available in New
Zealand.
“With more than 550 tankers, our fleet can travel hundreds of thousands kilometres every day on New Zealand’s roads. Our
commitment as foundation partners for Z Energy’s biodiesel project means the product will not only be available for our
fleet, it also means Z can bring this innovative fuel to the pump for New Zealanders.”
Mr Spurway says the move to biodiesel has the potential to reduce emissions for the tankers using it by up to four per
cent each year, and the partnership is an important milestone for Fonterra.
“Our sustainability strategy addresses key efficiency and sustainability improvements, and sourcing clean energy
alternatives is a big part of that. We also want to show our support for this kind of innovation so other New Zealanders
can make good energy choices.
“Fuel burned for transport contributes up to 20 per cent of New Zealand’s total greenhouse gas emissions, so given our
scale, it’s important we play our part to help the environment. Moving to biofuel is one of the many projects we’re
engaged in, like our planting, water quality projects, and energy efficiency programmes - which all focus on
environmental sustainability.”
Fonterra will be the first company in New Zealand to adopt the new fuel, with Edgecumbe being the first of five Fonterra
sites making the switch to the lower emission fuel in its tanker fleet.
ENDS