Monday, 04 July 2016 14:55

Fonterra launches switch to Z biodiesel

Written by 
Fonterra chief operating officer global operations, Robert Spurway. Fonterra chief operating officer global operations, Robert Spurway.

Fonterra has taken another step towards environmental sustainability, 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 Simon Bridges, Whakatane Mayor Tony Bonne and other dignitaries on Friday in celebrating the partnership at the cooperative's Edgecumbe site.

Fonterra chief operating officer global operations, Robert Spurway says 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."

Spurway says the move to biodiesel has the potential to reduce emissions for the tankers using it by up to 4% 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% 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.

More like this

Fonterra appoints new CFO

Fonterra has appointed a new chief financial officer, seven months after its last CFO’s shock resignation.

Featured

Eat more fruit, stay healthy

Nutritionists are urging Kiwis to kickstart their day with a piece of fresh fruit to help improve their health and wellbeing this autumn.

Investing for a positive future

Under its innovation strategy, Craigmore Sustainables says it is collaborating with new innovators of technology across sustainability, people, animals and business management to enhance New Zealand's dairy sector.

Canada's flagrant dishonesty

Deeply cynical and completely illogical. That's how Kimberly Crewther, the executive director of DCANZ is describing the Canadian government's flagrant breach of international trade law in refusing to open its market to New Zealand dairy exports.

OAD milking affects protein content

Once-a-day milking (OAD) can increase or lower the amounts of proteins in milk, according to a new study published in the journal Dairy.

National

Regional leader award

Eastern Bay of Plenty farmer Rebecca O’Brien was named the 2024 Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) Regional Leader of the Year.

DWOTY Award 'an absolute honour'

Humbling, overwhelming, and an absolute honour. That’s how 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year Katrina Roberts describes her win…

New CEO for Dairy Goat Co-op

Hamilton-based Dairy Goat Co-operative (DGC) is revamping its leadership in the hope of recovering from its financial doldrums.

Machinery & Products

Tractor, harvester IT comes of age

Over the last halfdecade, digital technology has appeared to be the “must-have” for tractor and machinery companies, who believe that…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Substitute for cow's milk?

OPINION: Scientists claim to have found a new way to make a substitute for cow's milk that could have a…

Breathalyser for cows

OPINION: The Irish have come up with a novel way to measure cow belching, which is said to account for…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter