Mölnlycke sets sail with marine biofuel on Asia-to-Europe trade lanes

Longstanding partners Mölnlycke Health Care and Scan Global Logistics have entered an agreement for the purchase and deployment of marine biofuel covering trade lanes from Asia to Europe to further reduce carbon emissions.

This decision supports the global medical-technology company’s commitment to reducing greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions and reaching net zero by 2050 at the latest.

For over 15 years, Scan Global Logistics has had a close global partnership with Mölnlycke, marked by a shared focus on supply-chain optimization and mitigating GHG emissions associated with maritime transportation.

In recent years, this collaboration has seen a heightened emphasis on sustainability initiatives, culminating in exploring actions to reduce environmental impact, which resulted in the company now buying marine biofuel.

“We are committed to driving our sustainability efforts forward, and we firmly believe we can reduce emissions while maintaining the quality of our business operations,” said Eric de Kesel, chief operating officer and executive vice president of sustainability with Mölnlycke. “The partnership with Scan Global Logistics to purchase a significant amount of biofuel for our ocean shipments is important and beneficial from a business, economic and environmental standpoint, particularly for our Asia-Europe routes.”

Both companies recognize the importance of offering tangible solutions to address concerns related to climate change, anchoring their collaboration in a mutual commitment to push for positive change.

“Mölnlycke is very important to us, and our relationship dates back over a decade,” said Kim Fischer, corporate executive vice president of global sales and corporate strategic accounts with Scan Global Logistics. “This initiative underlines the dynamic and innovative approach that both companies are investing in a successful business collaboration. Further sustainability initiatives have already been discussed with Mölnlycke, and we value such entrepreneurship, which aligns with our business approach.”

Marc Bach Spangsberg Sørensen, Scan Global Logistics’ global head of program management, added, “We are dedicated to expanding the portfolio of relevant products offered to our customers in an ever-changing world. Through strategic collaborations, we promote the agenda for alternative fuel types, contributing to the long-term transition to low-emission transport solutions.”

Central to this collaboration is the ability to provide customers like Mölnlycke with accessible, measurable and ready-for-use products that facilitate GHG-emission reduction.

By leveraging biofuel for ocean freight, Scan Global Logistics said it aims to deliver environmental and economic benefits through cost-effective pricing structures.

Martin Andersen, the global head of sustainability and ESG at Scan Global Logistics, said he is excited about the collective courage among companies that will support the demand for marine biofuel and actual emission reductions.

“It is paramount and uplifting to see responsible companies drive their decarbonization journey,” Andersen said. “It is a challenge, but we all must contribute and support each other with collaboration across industries and supply chains, which is essential to making progress. The window for meaningful change is closing—now is the time to drive collective courage for a low-carbon future.”

While navigating the complexities of modern logistics, Scan Global Logistics stated collaborations like these serve as examples of optimism and pave the way towards a more sustainable future for the industry.