DHL has entered 2026 with tangible momentum in its push to decarbonise global freight operations, outlining a series of sustainability milestones that highlight how large logistics networks are beginning to translate climate commitments into operational change.
The logistics group says progress made across air, sea, road and infrastructure during 2025 demonstrates how sustainable freight logistics can be scaled without compromising reliability or network efficiency. The initiatives form part of DHL’s long-term commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
One of the most significant steps came in aviation, where DHL signed one of the largest sustainable aviation fuel agreements ever executed in the United States. The deal with Phillips 66 covers more than 240,000 metric tonnes of SAF over three years, fuel that will primarily support DHL’s West Coast air freight operations.
Air freight remains the most carbon-intensive transport mode on a per-tonne basis, making SAF a critical lever for emissions reduction. DHL estimates the agreement will reduce lifecycle emissions by approximately 737,000 metric tonnes of CO₂e, a reduction comparable to thousands of long-haul international flights.
In maritime freight, DHL partnered with CMA CGM to purchase 8,800 metric tonnes of second-generation biofuel derived from used cooking oil. The collaboration is expected to cut an estimated 25,000 metric tonnes of CO₂e on a well-to-wake basis, underlining the growing role of sustainable marine fuels in global shipping decarbonisation.
DHL is also expanding its work in emerging vehicle technologies. Following hydrogen truck trials in Europe, North America and the Asia Pacific, the company confirmed it will pilot hydrogen-powered trucks in the Middle East under a memorandum of understanding with Saudi-based firm Hyperview.
The project aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and includes a feasibility study into hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, reflecting DHL’s view that multiple drivetrain solutions will be required to decarbonise long-haul logistics.
Last-mile delivery remains another key focus. DHL reiterated its target to electrify 66 per cent of its global last-mile fleet by 2030, with Germany currently leading that transition. In 2025, the company placed one of its largest electric vehicle orders, acquiring 2,400 Ford electric vans for its German parcel network.
The expansion means roughly one-third of German postcodes are now served by zero-emissions last-mile delivery, supported by a fleet of more than 35,000 electric vehicles, including vans, e-bikes and e-trikes.
Infrastructure is also playing an increasing role in DHL’s sustainability strategy. In Thailand, the company launched a solar-powered warehouse capable of generating all its energy on-site through a 4.2-megawatt solar array and battery storage system, eliminating reliance on grid electricity from fossil fuels.
DHL says the facility provides a blueprint for future logistics developments, where energy self-sufficiency supports both emissions reduction and operational resilience.
“These achievements mark meaningful progress toward our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,” the company said, reinforcing its position that sustainable freight logistics must combine fuel transition, vehicle technology and infrastructure investment to deliver lasting results.