On the road: Södra deploys first electric truck to transport pulp from Värö

As part of its efforts to achieve its climate goal of net zero emissions of fossil greenhouse gases by 2040, Södra’s first electric truck is on the road. Part of a pilot project, the truck will be entirely dedicated to transporting fossil-free deliveries of pulp from Värö to port terminals in Gothenburg and Varberg.

This month, some shipments of pulp from Värö will be delivered by electric truck as part of Södra's climate efforts to achieve net zero emissions of fossil greenhouse gases by 2040. This one truck is expected to save 48 tonnes of CO2 per year, compared with a diesel-powered truck.   

Delivered by DFDS, the truck will transport pulp from Värö to port terminals in Gothenburg and Varberg during the pilot project. Each journey will have a load weight of 40 tonnes, which is the same volume as previous trucks using fossil fuel.  

"The electrification of our transport is a natural part of our strategy to achieve our goal of net zero emissions of fossil greenhouse gases. It is also an important step in offering our customers more sustainable transport solutions and thus becoming a more attractive supplier. Several electrification projects are currently underway at Södra, and this pilot project to transport our pulp gives us valuable insight into where and how we can use electric trucks going forward," said Catrin Gustavsson, President of Södra Cell.   

Södra's path to climate neutrality  

Södra strives to be a leader in society's journey towards climate neutrality. In this ambition, climate benefits will increase along the entire value chain – from family forestry to the products that are created from them.    

To achieve its climate target, Södra is working to identify potential improvements in its operations and sees great opportunities in the electrification of machinery and transport. Södra currently has a positive energy balance and produced almost 2 TWh in 2023, creating opportunities for electrifying its vehicles.  

Södra was founded in 1938 on the idea that we are stronger together. We are now the largest forest-owner association 
in Sweden, with more than 50,000 family forest owners as members. Together, the members of Södra own a world-leading industrial operation that processes forest raw material into renewable products such as pulp, timber, building systems, liquid bioproducts and energy. About 3,400 people are employed in our forest industry and in 2023, Södra generated sales of SEK 29billion. Our products are exported all over the world and together, we are contributing to a more natural way of living. Rooted in the forest, we grow the future.

Tags: