On the path to more sustainable logistics, DB Schenker is investing in innovative, climate-friendly land, air and ocean freight solutions while improving resource efficiency in its logistics centers. In this way, DB Schenker also supports the efforts of its customers to build sustainable supply chains. In 2023, this was recognized for instance by Hewlett-Packard, a customer which named DB Schenker as its “Supplier of the Year” and “Logistics Sustainability Partner of the Year.” These accolades recognized both our commitment and performance in the areas of resilience, agility and sustainability, as well as our cooperation to overcome ecological challenges.

• More climate-friendly air freight: The offer of the Book&Claim verification chain makes CO₂e reduction possible through the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on all flights to all airports around the world. This represents a significant expansion of our existing climate-friendly air freight solutions. DB Schenker purchased more than 13,000 t of SAF in 2023, a significant increase compared to about 11,000 t in 2022.
• More climate-friendly ocean transport: Together with shipping companies MSC, CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd, DB Schenker purchases biofuel for all trade routes in order to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In total, DB Schenker bought 13,000 t of biofuel for 2023 and has thus made an upfront contribution to achieving an actual reduction in greenhouse gases caused by ocean freight transport together with its customers.
• Climate-friendly land transport:
  • In 2023, the number of battery-electric vehicles (BEV) used in Europe by DB Schenker amounted to more than 300. These include various models and manufacturers as well as the first operational use of Volta trucks in Europe. DB Schenker has acquired 53 Renault E-Tech D trucks for its French branches, in order to significantly reduce emissions from delivery traffic there.
  • In 2023, the first tests were carried out using a hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). The first 40 t hydrogen truck is used for daily traffic between Cologne in Germany and Eupen in Belgium.
  • In addition, DB Schenker conducted tests with e-trailers in France in 2023. According to the initial results, the combined use of e-trailers with diesel traction units enables savings in fuel consumption of between 24% and 55%, compared to the sole use of diesel traction units. The potential for savings depends, inter alia, on topography, the traffic situation and the respective transport process.
• Eco warehouses:
  • With its eco warehouse program, DB Schenker is pursuing the worldwide expansion of renewable energies and environmentally friendly technologies and materials in its logistics centers.
  • After the opening of the KL2 Korea Logistics Center in the first half of 2023, the 53rd DB Schenker warehouse, in the Philippines, was recognized as eco warehouse in the second half of 2023. The Bicutan Logistics Center is a modern, environmentally friendly logistics hub that further reduces CO₂e emissions through the continuous implementation of various measures, such as the installation of solar lighting. The use of elec­trically powered trucks is also planned.
  • In August 2023, DB Schenker also laid the foundations for Red Lion 2 in Singapore, which will be one of the largest and most sustainable warehouses in the Asia-­Pacific region. It will be built from sustainable materials and introduce intelligent light and cooling systems. Thanks to the latest solar technology, Red Lion 2 will produce more energy than is needed and therefore meet the highest certification requirements (LEED Zero Carbon and Green Mark Zero Energy).
• Circular economy logistics: Since 2023, DB Schenker has been the only logistics company with “Diamond Member” status in the Reverse Logistics Association. In 2023, DB Schenker introduced its own circular economy product for its global customers, which targets the requirements and growing demand for circular supply chains. The main components of this product are returns management, specific IT integration and value-added services that enable the return, inspection, repair and sustainable recycling of goods. As a one-stop shop, DB Schenker sup­ports customers in keeping products and corresponding resources in circulation for as long as possible and without loss. DB Schenker operates more than ten warehouses for leading electronics groups worldwide. Every year, more than ten million devices, printers, laptops or cell phones are checked, repaired, replaced or recycled.