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2025 Projects Move DHL Towards Net-zero Goal
[ January 16, 2026 // Gary Burrows ]Global logistics giant DHL Group enters 2026 having advanced several key levers of its sustainability strategy in 2025, from scaling sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to electrifying last‑mile delivery and building solar‑powered infrastructure.
The achievements have progressed DHL towards its goal of net‑zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 and reinforce its role in building more sustainable, efficient, and resilient global trade. Here are five milestones that defined this progress:
SAF Agreement – DHL has been a pioneer in adopting SAF since 2021. In 2025, it signed one of its largest-ever SAF agreements with Phillips 66 for more than 240,000 tonnes of SAF over three years to primarily serve its West Coast operations. DHL said it will reduce lifecycle emissions by about 737,000 tonnes of CO2e – about the same impact as 2,400 one-way flights from Los Angeles to Frankfurt.
Partnership with CMA CGM – DHL and CMA CGM partnered to purchase 8,800 tonnes of UCOME second-generation biofuel, reducing an estimated 25,000 tonnes of CO₂e emissions covering the full lifecycle of fuel emissions – roughly equivalent to powering a large container ship for several days of operation.
Middle East Pilot – DHL has been testing hydrogen-powered trucks to decarbonize long-haul logistics in Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific and has added the Middle East. DHL signed a memorandum of understanding with Hyperview in Saudi Arabia to pilot hydrogen-powered trucks. The project aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and includes a feasibility study for hydrogen infrastructure, reinforcing DHL’s commitment to reduce logistics-related GHGs in emerging markets.
Electric Delivery Across Germany – DHL aims to electrify two-thirds of its last-mile fleet – the final step of getting a shipment to the end customer – by 2030, with Germany leading the charge. In 2025, the company purchased 2,400 new Ford electric vans for its Post & Parcel Germany division; most have already been delivered and are in operation. This milestone means that one-third of all German postcodes will benefit from zero-GHG-emission last-mile delivery, powered by a fleet of more than 35,000 electric vehicles, including e-trikes, e-vans, and e-bikes.
Solar Warehousing in Asia – Beyond operational carbon neutrality, DHL is exploring facilities that produce or source renewable energy on-site, combining sustainability with energy self-sufficiency. In Thailand last year, DHL launched a solar-powered warehouse expected to generate all its energy on-site through a 4.2 MWp solar array and advanced battery storage. This facility eliminates reliance on fossil-based grid electricity and sets a blueprint for future logistics infrastructure worldwide.
In Thailand last year, DHL launched a solar-powered warehouse expected to generate all its energy on-site through a 4.2 MWp solar array and advanced battery storage. PHOTO: DHL Group