Tech major Lenovo hops onto CO2-neutral flights by DB Schenker, Lufthansa Cargo

In what would signal a growing alliance for the environment and sustainability, another major global player joined DB Schenker and Lufthansa Cargo on their journey towards greener supply chains after global hardware technology provider Lenovo decided to let fly 20 tons of chargeable weight per week from Shanghai (PVG) to Frankfurt (FRA) on carbon-neutral freighter flights.

Interestingly, the carbon-neutral freighter flight is the only regular full charter connection worldwide which is 100 percent covered by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SAF is produced out of renewable waste and residue raw materials such as used cooking oils. The transported Lenovo products include laptops, notebooks, and PCs for both private and corporate clients.

Speaking on the development, Thorsten Meincke, Global Board Member for Air & Ocean Freight at DB Schenker said, "Our unique SAF full charter flights help corporates to make their shipments more sustainable. Lenovo is a major customer for this game-changing initiative and an example of how shippers are keen for real change towards greener transports. We look forward to seeing further companies who would like to prioritize decarbonizing their supply chains together with us."

Gareth Davies, Head of Global Logistics at Lenovo said, "Sustainability is critical to our business and mission of delivering smarter technology for all. We are proud that we are further enhancing our solutions through this collaboration with DB Schenker and Lufthansa Cargo. For all businesses and individuals, adopting programs that improve sustainability is incredibly important and we are delighted about this new partnership."

Interestingly, DB Schenker and Lufthansa Cargo started the world's first regular SAF-covered full charter air cargo connection between Frankfurt and Shanghai in April 2021 and extended the joint mission throughout the entire winter flight schedule.

Meanwhile, Ashwin Bhat, Chief Commercial Officer at Lufthansa Cargo also leaned in on the development and said, "Our joint effort with DB Schenker to avoid CO2 emissions is continuously growing stronger. An increasing number of customers realize that we need to work together across industries to achieve our shared goal. Only together, can we make a real difference. With our SAF-covered flights, we are doing pioneer's work."

The CO2 released during combustion in the engine is only the CO2 removed from the atmosphere during the photosynthesis phase of the plants that were utilized to produce the oils SAF is refined from.

The official release by Lufthansa Cargo cites that, by opting for the SAF-based way of transportation offered by DB Schenker in cooperation with Lufthansa Cargo, Lenovo is slated to save around 20 tons of conventional kerosene per flight and, thus, 62 tons of greenhouse gases (CO2e Well-to-Wheel) weekly. In addition, the around 16 tons CO2e resulting from the production and transport of the SAF (upstream emissions) are offset by compensatory measures and overall, full carbon neutrality is achieved.