Reducing climate impact for increased competitiveness

From fossil to fossil-free
Storskogen’s logistics companies offer freight and logistics services by sea, air and road, with combined annual net sales of around SEK 1,200 million and a margin of around 12 percent. These companies account for 12 percent of Storskogen’s direct greenhouse emissions, Scope 1 emissions, while also facing growing demands from customers for climate-friendly transport. In order to reduce climate impact and gradually transition to a completely fossil-free vehicle fleet, our logistics companies have taken several concrete measures. Our vehicle fleets are gradually being upgraded to more efficient combustion engines and replaced by both electric and biogas-powered trucks for light and heavy transport.

The companies have also invested in longer truck carriages that enable the transport of twice the volumes, potentially halving emissions per transported tonne. In parallel, we have increased the use of HVO, a fossil-free diesel alternative that reduces carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 90 percent. New alternative fuels and technologies such as hydrogen are also actively evaluated to ensure a long-term transition.

Our efforts within the logistics companies will have a major impact on whether Storskogen as a group can achieve its climate targets of reducing absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 42 percent by 2030 and by 90 percent by 2050, from the base year 2023 – relating to Scope 1 and 2.

Collaboration throughout the value chain
Storskogen views the climate challenge as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with both customers and suppliers. We work actively with them to switch to fossil-free fuels, optimise routes and reduce the number of empty runs. We also ensure that our suppliers’ vehicle fleets meet at least the Euro-6 standard, representing the lowest possible emissions from diesel engines.

To meet both our own and our suppliers’ charging needs, we have invested in energy storage and are expanding charging infrastructure that suppliers can also use. This enables new income streams and is something Storskogen has highlighted before. As a result, we also create incentives for both suppliers and customers to switch to fossil-free fuels and are expanding the network of suppliers who use fossil-free fuels. By working actively throughout the entire value chain, we ensure that sustainability efforts permeate all stages of our operations, supporting both the climate targets and business relationships.

Outcome and future challenges
Since 2020, Storskogen’s logistics companies have reduced their Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 8 percent in absolute terms. Emissions relative to net sales have decreased from 5.6 to 3.6 tonnes of CO₂ per SEKm, showing increased efficiency despite the companies’ growth. These efforts have been beneficial for the climate but have also resulted in increased business value, deeper relationships with suppliers and customers, an expanded customer base and a broader service offering. The climate initiatives are not only a necessity but also an opportunity to drive innovation and long-term competitiveness.

Despite the progress, challenges remain, especially in 2024 when the Swedish reduction obligation (reduktionsplikt) was lowered, leading to a smaller proportion of renewable fuels in the fuel mixtures. This policy change is expected to lead to a temporary increase in emissions. Nonetheless, I am convinced that the companies are still on track to reach Storskogen’s target of a 42 percent decrease of absolute emissions until 2030.

Lina Falk Jimenez
Investment Director, Services

At Storskogen’s Capital Market Day 2024, Lina Falk Jimenez took part in a panel discussion covering, among other things, the logistics companies’ sustainability efforts.