Introduction
Air freight is a lifeline for UK businesses, delivering goods quickly to markets like Asia, Europe, and North America. However, it comes with a big environmental cost, contributing about 2% of global carbon emissions, roughly equal to Germany’s annual output. For UK businesses, adopting sustainable air freight practices is essential to meet regulations, cut long-term costs, and appeal to customers who value eco-friendly operations. From using biofuels to smarter logistics, this guide covers how UK businesses can make air freight greener in 2025, with practical tips, real-world examples, and a look at what’s coming next.
Why Sustainability Matters
Air freight’s speed is unmatched, but its high carbon footprint—about 500 grams of CO2 per ton-kilometer compared to 10-40 grams for sea freight—makes sustainability a priority. UK businesses face pressure from:
- Regulations: New rules, like the UK’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate starting January 2025, require greener practices.
- Customers: 85% of consumers prefer businesses with strong sustainability reputations (Impact on Urban Health).
- Cost Savings: Efficient practices, like optimized routes, reduce fuel use and costs.
By going green, businesses can comply with laws, boost their brand, and help fight climate change.
Current Sustainability Practices
The air freight industry is taking steps to reduce its environmental impact. Here are the main ways it’s going green:
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): SAF, made from renewable sources like used cooking oil or agricultural waste, can cut emissions by up to 80%. Companies like DHL and Air France KLM are investing heavily, with plans to use SAF for 30% of their flights by 2030 (DB Schenker).
- Fuel-Efficient Planes: Newer aircraft, like the Boeing 777F, use less fuel, lowering emissions. Airlines are replacing older planes to meet sustainability goals.
- Smarter Operations: Optimizing flight routes, reducing empty flights, and packing cargo efficiently save fuel. For example, AI-driven route planning can cut fuel use significantly.
- Carbon Offsetting: Businesses can offset emissions by funding projects like reforestation. While not a long-term fix, it helps balance impact now.
- Digital Tools: Technologies like AI for route planning and blockchain for tracking emissions improve efficiency and transparency (AGI Global Logistics).
- Industry Teamwork: Programs like CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) and IATA’s BlueSky set global standards for reducing emissions (IATA).
These practices are making air freight more sustainable, with leaders like DHL and Cathay Pacific showing the way.
New Technologies for Greener Air Freight
Innovative technologies are transforming air freight into a more eco-friendly industry:
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): SAF is a game-changer, working in existing planes with no changes needed. It’s made from waste like cooking oil or algae, and production is ramping up (WeFreight).
- Electric Planes: Companies like Eviation are developing electric aircraft for short flights, which could produce zero emissions (StartUs Insights).
- Hydrogen Planes: Hydrogen-powered aircraft, being explored by Airbus, emit only water vapor, offering a future for zero-emission flights (WeFreight).
- Better Plane Designs: Lightweight materials and aerodynamic features, like winglets, reduce fuel use by cutting drag (Globalia Logistics).
- Smart Tech: AI optimizes flight paths, and blockchain tracks carbon emissions transparently, helping businesses prove their green efforts (FreightAmigo).
These technologies are paving the way for a greener air freight future, with some already in use and others on the horizon.
Rules and Regulations
UK businesses must navigate several regulations to make air freight sustainable in 2025:
| Regulation | Description | Impact on UK Businesses |
|---|---|---|
| UK SAF Mandate | Requires a minimum percentage of SAF in aviation fuel from January 2025 (Kennedys Law). | Increases fuel costs but encourages greener practices. |
| EU CBAM | Puts a carbon price on imports of carbon-intensive goods to the EU (Decerna). | Affects UK exporters to the EU, raising costs for high-carbon goods. |
| CORSIA | Global scheme requiring airlines to offset international flight emissions (IATA). | Mandatory by 2027, impacting UK airlines and freight forwarders. |
| EU Energy Taxation Directive | Proposes taxes on aviation fuels, with exemptions for SAF (Norton Rose Fulbright). | Encourages SAF use but may raise costs for traditional fuel. |
| UK Reporting Rules | Requires companies to report emissions under the Companies Act 2006 (CAA). | Increases transparency for air freight businesses. |
These rules push businesses to adopt sustainable practices to stay compliant and competitive.
Tips for UK Businesses
Here are practical ways UK businesses can make air freight greener:
- Pick Green Carriers: Choose airlines or freight forwarders like SLG Logistics that use SAF or have strong sustainability plans.
- Pack Smart: Use compact, recyclable packaging to reduce space and waste.
- Combine Shipments: Group multiple shipments to cut down on flights.
- Use Sea Freight When Possible: For non-urgent goods, sea freight emits far less CO2.
- Offset Emissions: Support projects like tree planting to balance your carbon footprint.
- Work with Green Suppliers: Partner with suppliers who prioritize sustainability.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with new rules and technologies, like the UK’s SAF mandate, to plan ahead.
Success Stories
Leading companies are showing how sustainable air freight works:
- DHL and Air France KLM: Partnered to buy 33 million liters of SAF, aiming for 30% sustainable fuel use by 2030 (DB Schenker).
- Delta Cargo and Gevo: Secured 75 million gallons of SAF annually from 2026, supporting net-zero goals (Stat Times).
- Cathay Pacific: Launched Asia’s first corporate SAF program, letting businesses offset emissions through SAF contributions (Stat Times).
- IATA’s BlueSky Program: Helps airlines measure and improve sustainability, setting a standard for the industry (IATA).
These examples show that sustainability is achievable and can inspire UK businesses to act.
What’s Next for 2025 and Beyond
The air freight industry is set to become greener with these trends:
- More SAF Use: By 2030, airlines aim to use SAF for at least 10% of fuel, driven by mandates and demand (WeFreight).
- Electric Planes: Short-haul electric aircraft will start handling regional freight, cutting emissions (StartUs Insights).
- Smarter Tech: AI and blockchain will make operations more efficient and transparent (FreightAmigo).
- Net-Zero by 2050: The industry’s goal to reach zero emissions will drive innovation (IATA).
- Stricter Rules: New carbon taxes and reporting requirements will push greener practices (Decerna).
UK businesses should prepare for these changes to stay competitive.
Wrap-Up
Sustainable air freight is essential for UK businesses to reduce environmental impact, meet regulations, and attract eco-conscious customers. By using SAF, optimizing shipments, and adopting new technologies, businesses can make a difference. SLG Logistics can help you navigate these changes with expert green solutions. Check out our related guides: