Supermarket ASDA Leads Shift to Renewable Bio-LNG Fuel

Food retail titan ASDA, the UK's third-largest supermarket chain, has expanded its Bio-LNG refuelling network with two new stations, bringing its total to 13 across the country. The move reinforces ASDA's commitment to sustainable transport and supports its fleet of over 780 LNG-fuelled trucks, the largest of its kind in the UK.
The new facilities, developed in collaboration with Gasrec, a commercial vehicle fuel provider, mark a significant step in ASDA's journey towards net-zero operations by 2040. Bio-LNG, or liquefied biomethane, is a renewable biofuel produced from organic waste streams such as household waste, manure and sewage sludge.
Bio-LNG: A growing alternative
Bio-LNG is created through anaerobic digestion, a process that generates biogas primarily composed of methane and carbon dioxide. The methane is then separated, purified and liquefied to create Bio-LNG. This liquefaction process increases energy density 600 times, making it ideal for heavy-duty transport.
“We have forged a strong relationship with ASDA and it’s a real pleasure to be able to deliver these two latest facilities for them, as they continue to expand their growing gas fleet and invest in a cleaner and greener fuel source,” said James Westcott, Chief Commercial Officer at Gasrec. “As one of the UK’s largest retailers, ASDA understands the urgency in the need to cut emissions from its fleet as we all work towards a more sustainable transport sector. Bio-LNG remains a leading alternative to diesel for long-haul operations and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future.”
ASDA's environmental impact
ASDA's commitment to sustainability through Bio-LNG and other initiatives has yielded tangible results. The supermarket chain has achieved a 41% reduction in operational carbon emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) since 2015, with a target of 50% reduction by 2025.
To further its sustainability efforts, ASDA is set to launch a sustainability-linked enhancement to its Supply Chain Finance scheme in partnership with HSBC UK in January 2025. This programme aims to incentivise better sustainability practices throughout ASDA's supply chain.
“LNG trucks are currently the leading alternative fuel option for operators like ourselves and with over 780 LNG vehicles, we operate the largest fleet of LNG fuelled trucks in the UK,” said John Rogerson, Central Fleet Operations Manager at ASDA. “Our continued investment in a UK-wide LNG distribution network forms an essential part of our objective to reduce overall carbon emissions across our operations and towards building a sustainable business for the future.”
Industry-wide adoption
ASDA's investment in Bio-LNG infrastructure reflects a broader industry trend. Several major energy companies are expanding their presence in the Bio-LNG sector, including Shell, TotalEnergies, Linde, Titan LNG, Nordsol and Flogas Britain.
Titan LNG, an Amsterdam-based company, is partnering on large bio-LNG projects and has plans to build the world's largest biomethane liquefaction plant. Meanwhile, Flogas Britain was the first UK gas supplier to operate Bio-LNG powered Volvo trucks.
As the technology for producing Bio-LNG continues to evolve, industry experts anticipate further growth and adoption. Ongoing research, infrastructure development, and increasing demand for cleaner energy solutions are driving this expansion.
Continued sustainability initiatives at ASDA
Outside of this, Asda’s ‘Better Planet’ plan has achieved additional milestones, including:
- 200 of its packaged products are now available with reduced plastic.
- 97% of the company’s timber, paper and pulp products are sustainably sourced.
- Over 9,800 tonnes of plastic has been removed from own-brand packaging since 2018.
- The Asda Sustain and Save Exchange platform resulted in over 72,000 tonnes of carbon saved by suppliers.
- 60% of cotton is sourced through sustainable schemes.
- A 44% reduction in its carbon footprint in 2019.
Asda has also partnered with companies such as Coca-Cola, Yorkshire Tea, Napolina, Tilda, Mars and Kellogg’s, to provide their products to consumers in refillable forms. The aim of this expansion is to allow consumers to shop for their usual products without single-use plastics.
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