UK grocer Co-op has signed a new five-year partnership with Cambridgeshire-based haulier, Buffaload, which continues to increase its investment in LNG-powered vehicles.
LNG – or liquefied natural gas, to give it is full title – produces 40% less carbon dioxide than coal and 30% less than oil, according to government figures, which makes it the cleanest of the fossil fuels. Buffaload has been using LNG to power its fleet since 2020 – and by the beginning of 2025 it had 66 of these lorries within its operations.
Buffaload, which has already been working with Co-op for ten years, has also committed to utilising bio-LNG, produced locally from food and agricultural waste, in a move that is expected to help its latest vehicles reach significant tailpipe emission reductions.
The vehicles will take ambient products from Co-op’s national distribution centre (DC) in Coventry to 11 of the retailer’s regional DCs. These sites then deliver to local stores across the UK.
Stuart Rendall, Co-op’s head of logistic operations, commented: “Extending and deepening our work with Buffaload is an exciting development, we have a shared history of collaboration and innovation.
“With our successful work together over the years and shared commitments to carbon reduction we are really looking forward to the next chapter in our partnership.”
John Kerrigan, CEO of Buffaload, added: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Co-op by adding ambient logistics to our well established temperature controlled network.
“This is testament to our longstanding collaborative relationship with Co-op, which reaches well beyond logistics, including support for shared charitable partnerships such as Barnardo’s and the role we play in working with Co op suppliers to provide carbon reduction solutions.”
According to The National Grid, LNG emits less soot, dust or particulates compared to coal/oil and produces “insignificant amounts of sulphur dioxide, mercury and other compounds considered harmful to the earth’s atmosphere”. The clear, odourless, and colourless fuel typically comprises 85-95% methane, which contains less carbon than other forms of fossil fuels.
Co-op also announced this week that it has started a search for a fresh wave of innovative and exciting product suppliers to join its incubator programme, known as The Apiary.
Katie Schofield, Co-op buying manager for the Apiary, said the focus is on finding new products “from purpose-led suppliers with a real point of difference that can enthuse, excite and resonate with our customers”.
Successful applicants will receive hands-on support designed to help strengthen their brand and business, and ensure their companies are ‘retail ready’.
Read more about Co-op on Green Retail World
[image credit: ©UNP Tim George, Unp.co.uk 0845 600 7737 pictures@unp.co.uk – for Co-op/Buffaload]
