Reducing the Environmental Impact of FLTs While Keeping up with Demand

by Stuart Viney (Handling and Storage Solutions/Calor) Calor Futuria Liquid Gas helps reduce the environmental impact of forklifts, while keeping up with demand, says Stuart Viney. -- The UK’S ambitious net zero carbon target has brought into focus the need to make changes to reduce our carbon footprint. But in the current climate, warehouse operations are under increasing demand to keep up with deliveries while operating in a more sustainable way. Balancing the ever-increasing demand for goods with reducing environmental impact can be tricky for materials handling businesses to navigate.

Transport is a major contributor to the carbon emissions of most warehouse operations, so looking to reduce the emissions of off-road machinery such as forklift trucks (FLTs) will be a significant step in achieving sustainability goals.

A significant amount of the energy a warehouse operation consumes comes from lighting, heating, cooling and air conditioning, as well as fixed and mobile material handling equipment, which creates considerable carbon emissions.

FLTs, although essential for ensuring warehouse operations run as smoothly as possible, are not always operating sustainably. Many FLTs are still powered by diesel fuel – which while offering a powerful solution - especially suited for outdoor applications - also emits high, harmful emissions which contribute significantly to a business’ overall carbon footprint.

Research by Calor (Lowering the carbon emissions of forklift trucks: An industry survey report) found that 54% of the decision-makers and managers who are responsible for purchasing forklift trucks and their fuel, saw carbon reduction as a ‘very important’ consideration. However, we know that for warehouse operators juggling this with other operational and commercial priorities is no easy task.

When considering a replacement fuel for FLT fleets, several aspects need to be considered including cost, fuel efficiency, minimising downtime, security of supply, and level of customer service from the fuel provider.

One of the most effective ways FLT managers can improve sustainability is to consider alternative fuels. Calor Futuria Liquid Gas (previously BioLPG) is a sustainable fuel made from a blend of waste, residues, and sustainably sourced materials.

In terms of performance, FLTs fuelled by Futuria Liquid Gas or standard LPG have superior travel speeds, acceleration rates and lift speeds when compared to their electric counterparts. Futuria Liquid Gas fuelled FLTs can also perform consistently outdoors, including in colder climates. What’s more, refuelling only takes a few minutes, after which the FLT can return to full operation and continue to keep up with demand.

Futuria Liquid Gas can be utilised by FLT businesses as part of Calor’s sustainable tariff, meaning carbon reductions are even more impressive when compared to diesel and conventional LPG. Using a mix of 40% Futuria Liquid Gas and 60% conventional LPG, businesses can reduce carbon emissions by up to 48% (kgCO2e/kWh) compared to using diesel and 33%1 when compared to conventional LPG. In addition, FLT fleets currently using diesel as a fuel, can also reduce particulate matter by up to 98%2, by switching to Futuria Liquid Gas.

Futuria Liquid Gas is available at no extra cost to existing Calor LPG customers, so FLT businesses looking to make the switch can also ensure cost efficiencies are maximised. For operations already running LPG FLTs with a different supplier, there is no additional change of fleet required to move to sustainable Calor Futuria Liquid Gas, because it is chemically identical to LPG.

As part of its commitment to offer its customers 100% sustainable energy solutions by 2040, Calor is taking steps to help operators of FLT fleets to make the switch from diesel to Futuria Liquid Gas. READ MORE