Woods Foodservice Drives Net Zero Ambitions

Woods Foodservice has expanded its commitment to sustainable operations with the addition of 12 new electric delivery vans, each featuring bespoke multi-temperature storage and rooftop solar panels to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.

Image: Woods Foodservice

The Ford E-Transit L4 vans have been supplied by Progreen – the sustainable vehicle hire and alternative fuels division of Prohire. This latest investment forms part of Woods Foodservice’s broader strategy to fully replace its Euro-6 fleet with electric vehicles by the end of the 2025 financial year. The business has already introduced electric company cars, with the new vans now operating across London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

Each refrigerated vehicle has been specially designed with multiple storage zones, including chilled, ambient and frozen compartments. This enables Woods Foodservice to complete more efficient, multi-temperature deliveries with fewer vehicles. The addition of solar panels further enhances energy efficiency by powering the freezer units, reducing battery usage and extending the vans’ operational range.

To help track performance and environmental savings, all 12 vans are equipped with Geotab telematics to monitor battery usage, vehicle efficiency and CO2 reductions.

Wayne Gregory, operations manager at Woods Foodservice, said: “Since receiving our new bespoke multi-temperature van design, we’ve seen a significant boost in efficiency. Being able to deliver chilled, frozen, ambient and fresh produce, all in one vehicle, has streamlined our operations.

"The real game-changer, though, is doing it all with electric vans – cutting our diesel fuel usage by 35%. The addition of solar panels on the roof has been a great solution to one of our biggest concerns. They help reduce the strain on the batteries when running freezer units, minimising the impact on the van’s range.”

Michelle Miles, head of Progreen, added: “This is the ideal solution for Woods Foodservice and we’re thrilled to support them in their mission to become the UK’s leading net zero contributor foodservice company by 2030.” UK’s leading net zero contributor foodservice company by 2030.”