Ok, there’s nothing even remotely Star Command about this particular post about SAF (sustainable aviation fuel), but we thought it would make great clickbait for anyone feeling the faintest nostalgia.
At Smart Directions, we’re well aware that our sector makes the biggest contribution to climate change and the environment. After all, we’re using the road, sea, rail and air to transport goods to anywhere, anytime and as fast as possible.
It seems that the Government is all aboard too, introducing the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate from 2025. Here’s what we think you need to know about it, as well as how it might impact your cost margins in the not too distant future.
First off…
What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
SAF is a biofuel used to power aircrafts, instead of traditional petroleum based fuel. Many airports are offering SAF in either batches or continuously, with the intention of reducing their carbon footprint.
The aim of the game is?
To reduce the CO2 emissions of the global aviation industry by 5 per cent by 2030. The big goal is to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 (cheers Paris!) The mandate requires an increasing volume of sustainably sourced alternative fuels to be blended with kerosene from January 2030.
Sounds nice and sustainable…but there’s a catch.
“SAF has the potential to reduce aviation emissions by 70%,” says Logistics UK’s Senior Policy Manager, Alexandra Herdman, “but with costs double to triple that of kerosene, the mandate is not enough to drive prices down and production up.”
Like other eco-friendly alternatives SAF is, and soon will be, in high demand with very little supply. Still, taking steps towards reducing the logistics and supply chain carbon footprint is a positive one. But those additional costs still pose a threat to the bottom line.
What do we suggest?
It’s definitely worth understanding how these changes will impact your business in the future, as well as making the necessary preparations for those changes right now. Whether that means seeking the right advice, or considering alternative means of transportation, you can rely on the experienced team of friendly professionals here at Smart Directions to give the information you need to make the decisions that count.
How can you get in touch with us?
It’s really simple! You can drop us an email to sales@smartdirections.co.uk, fill in a contact form or give us a call on 01442 507 240. We believe that each business, regardless of their size or sector deserves a bespoke solution. If you’d like to get ahead of these changes and future-proof your logistics solution, give us a call today!