Our sustainability commitment
Emissions reduction at no extra cost
This is our commitment to more sustainable International Shipping Solutions.
At Spring GDS, we are deeply committed to minimising our impact on the environment and pledged to be net-zero by 2040
As part of the PostNL Group, we are committed to building a more sustainable future. Our climate goals are aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This is a globally recognized organization that supports companies in taking meaningful climate action.
Our SBTi-approved targets:
By 2030:
- Reduce scope 1 emissions (from vehicles) and scope 2 emissions (from buildings) by 90%.
- Reduce scope 3 emissions (indirect value chain emissions) by 45%.
By 2040:
- Achieve net-zero emissions, in line with the SBTi standard. This means no more than 10% of our carbon emissions will remain.
Spring GDS is dramatically cutting CO2 emissions by using the biofuel HVO100
We are always exploring ways to be more sustainable. We choose the most efficient routes to cut unnecessary mileage, operate electric vehicles where available and use less polluting fuels for short journeys.
We are committed to the maximum reduction of our carbon footprint and helping you make the final leg of your supply chain more eco-friendly.
We use HVO100 where possible in the tank, and where this is not possible, we will use HVO100 through our new “Out The Tank”-solution. Learn more about our new HVO100 “Out The Tank” solution in the explainer video below.
One year of HVO100: Scaling up sustainable transport
22 April 2024, we launched our HVO100 Out The Tank (OTT) initiative, committing to replace all diesel used in our international linehaul with HVO100 – a renewable, waste-based, and fossil-free alternative.
One year later, we have injected 2.9 million litres of HVO100 into the European fuel network, cutting 8.5 kilotonnes of CO₂e. These savings are officially allocated to our operations, directly reducing our – and our customers’ – logistics emissions.
And we’re not stopping here. In 2025, we are scaling up our commitment, aiming to replace around 4.3 million litres of diesel based on projected kilometres driven. This significant increase reflects our drive to accelerate emissions reductions across our network.
Introducing the Spring GDS orange pallet box The full sustainability package
Spring GDS is always exploring ways to deliver our customer’s goods safely, efficiently and sustainably. The new orange pallet box provides a zero-waste alternative to carton or wood materials in our network.
Customer specific CO2 reports
At Spring GDS we take the responsibility to master our own CO2 emissions data. We want to be as transparent as we can be, by sharing information with our customers. We aim to make the best decisions regarding the environment and to lower our environmental footprint. We do that by mastering our own emissions data and getting our data checked by a third party.
Spring GDS Europe has its own internal system where every parcel is carefully weighed before being transported, combined with the route information, our data warehousing and the cooperation with our partner EcoTransIT an accurate calculation is made per parcel. This calculation method complies with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, European Norm, GLEC Framework and ISO 14083.
Starting this year, our customers can be provided with quarterly customer-specific CO2 reports.
Climate protection projects
As deliveries by land and air generate CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions, we have a responsibility to reduce our environmental impact and compensate for our activities.
The Gold Standard Certified climate action projects we invest in are proven to reduce atmospheric CO2, promote biodiversity and re-green the environment. Sustainability doesn’t stop at environmental action: we’ve chosen projects that protect indigenous farmers and support local communities.
The Mut Wind Power Plant in Turkey's Mut District creates an alternative and renewable energy source. By using wind energy the project aims to replace grid electricity, which is constituted of different fuel sources causing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. This contributes to cleaner air and conserves water, soil, flora and fauna.
Country: Turkey
Technology: Wind
Standard: Gold Standard
Our partner JustDiggit dig crescent-shaped pits in the ground that collect rainwater in dry areas in Africa, preventing it from washing away over the arid soil. So far Spring GDS has financed 1,419 water bunds in Kenya through our customer survey. This simple environmental action hydrates and re-greens the landscape, increases local biodiversity, absorbs atmospheric CO2 and helps local farming communities.
Sustainability progress: moving forward with impact
In 2024, our sustainability efforts were recognized by EcoVadis, placing us among the top 20% in our industry. This reflects our progress in carbon management, environmental performance, and strong governance.
One of our biggest achievements has been our leadership in carbon management, particularly through our investment in low-emission transport solutions. In collaboration with PostNL, we continue to drive the HVO100 Out The Tank initiative, which recurs annually as part of our strategy to reduce transport emissions.
Looking ahead, we are broadening our sustainability focus, expanding beyond carbon reduction to Labor & Human Rights and Sustainable Procurement, areas where we see opportunities to strengthen our impact.
By embracing these insights and taking targeted action, we are driving meaningful progress—creating lasting value for our stakeholders, customers, and the planet.
