Switching to more sustainable waterway transport in Northern Europe
We have partnered with inland shipping company NPRC to use renewable fuel powered barges for the transport of our minerals from our Antwerp terminal in Belgium to our customers in Northern Europe.
Choosing Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO); an impactful renewable alternative to fossil fuel for mineral transportation
25% of the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) generated in our supply chain comes from inbound or outbound logistics. Switching from fossil-fueled to renewable-fueled transport alternatives is an impactful lever towards decarbonization of our logistics and those of our regional customers. In Northern Europe, we partnered with dry bulk inland shipping company NPRC in a first move to a more sustainable supply chain.
Since July 1, we use NPRC operated barges powered by HVO100, a Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) that is a renewable fuel made from 100% waste oils and fats. The impact compared to traditional fuel is clear: 85% less GHG emissions generated by all our shipments using waterway transports in the Benelux and Germany regions.
This partnership is a concrete step towards reducing our carbon footprint in the supply chain. It reflects our broader strategic ambition to contribute meaningfully to sustainability, both for ourselves and our customers.
Imerys’ decision to go with HVO100 shows their commitment to meaningful emissions reduction. It’s encouraging to work with partners who are fully invested in using the most sustainable options available to drive real progress in low-carbon logistics.
As NPRC, we offer our clients a variety of options to reduce their carbon footprint. Imerys has chosen the entire package, being all transports on HVO100. This partnership between Imerys and NPRC is an example of how the inland shipping industry can move forward.
NPRC plans to significantly increase its renewable fuel usage year on year, having already increased the use of HVO significantly in 2024 compared to the previous year. The company is also exploring innovative solutions including hydrogen and electric transport options for the future.
The partnership positions both companies positively for evolving environmental regulations in the transport sector. This proactive approach ensures readiness for current and upcoming legislation, while supporting customers’ sustainability goals.
Answering our customers’ expectations for low-carbon delivery
For Imerys’ customers, this shift to sustainable shipping offers additional value. Many of our customers are also focused on reducing their own environmental impact. By using low-carbon shipping methods, we do not only reduce our Scope 3 emissions (in our value chain), but also help our customers meet their own decarbonization targets.
Joost highlights: “Our customers are increasingly looking for ways to lower their own carbon footprint. By proposing renewable logistic alternatives, we are positioning them to stay ahead of future requirements, while also maintaining efficient and reliable delivery.”
Working with our suppliers: a key lever to decarbonize our value chain
As a group, we target to reduce the GHG emissions generated in our value chain by 25% by 2030 compared to 2021. Working with our ecosystem of partners, as we do with NPRC, helps us to progress towards this objective.
The success of this first partnership in Europe opens up opportunities for Imerys to expand sustainable transport initiatives across other regions and modes, including rail and road transport. Similar renewable fuel agreements are already being implemented with trucking companies in France and the United Kingdom, while electric truck solutions are being studied in the US.
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