Biffa and the vehicle electrification and upcycling business Lunaz have teamed up to convert one of Britain’s largest fleet of bin lorries to electric – a move that received a thumbs up from David Beckham.
Lunaz will support the transition of waste management company Biffa’s diesel refuse trucks over the next decade to clean-air electric powertrains through its proprietary upcycling and electrification process and technology.
Maxine Mayhew, COO Collection & Specialist Services, said of the partnership: ‘I am thrilled to announce Biffa and Lunaz’s fleet electrification and upcycling partnership. As the UK’s leading sustainable waste management company we are committed to enabling the circular economy while reducing emissions and carbon expenditure in every aspect of our business.’
This multi-year production programme is expected to see growing numbers of vehicles delivered to Biffa over the mid-term. With an initial order of up to 10 26-tonne Upcycled Electric Vehicle (UEV) refuse trucks saving up to 210 tonnes in embedded carbon.
Following the successful completion of technical trials and due diligence, first deliveries will take place for operations on UK refuse collection routes in 2023. Biffa’s UEV refuse trucks will operate on both commercial and municipal waste collection routes.
For UK councils, the procurement of these vehicles represents a significant saving for the taxpayer, with more than £1m in public money saved for every 20 vehicles upcycled and electrified versus buying new EV equivalents.
Maxine Mayhew continued: ‘By working with Lunaz to meet our goal of buying no more fossil fuelled vehicles by 2030 while breaking the replace-with-new cycle, we pioneer an approach in this industry that saves millions of tonnes in embedded carbon.
‘I am proud that every electric vehicle upcycled by Lunaz for Biffa’s fleet will mean one less tailpipe emission emitting vehicle for our planet. This long-term partnership with Lunaz is a major pillar in our collective effort to achieve our 2030 commitments.’
David Lorenz, founder & CEO of Lunaz, added: ‘Biffa has led from the front in pioneering more sustainable waste management practices here in the UK. At Lunaz, we are proud to assist in delivering Biffa’s sustained commitment to leading the waste management industry’s transition to net zero.
‘By embracing the power of upcycling as a dramatically more sustainable course to the transition to a clean air fleet, Biffa delivers economic value to its stakeholders while delivering a great ecological dividend to the planet. By finding new life for diesel-emitting vehicles, we are delighted to stand together with a leading UK company in creating the potential to reduce global emissions at scale.’
David Beckham, global footballing icon and Lunaz investor, added: ‘This deal is a strong endorsement of Lunaz’ innovative approach to finding sustainable solutions and I’m delighted to be an investor in this fast growing and exciting British company.’
