From April 2024, United Pallet Network Deliveries go carbon neutral. The leading operator in the now highly established UK pallet network sector has announced that from April 2024, the carbon footprint of all palletised freight deliveries handled by its members across its UK wide partner network will be calculated and carbon offset to become carbon neutral.

“UPN are now working with Carbon Neutral Britain to offset our company's carbon emissions by investing in carbon offsetting programmes upfront for each financial quarter so deliveries are offset in real time as a proactive measure to minimise our environmental impact.” commented UPN Managing Director David Brown who signed the agreement with Carbon Neutral Britain.

In a first for the sector Carbon Neutral Britain will provide United Pallet Network (UPN) with full Carbon Neutral Certification for every Member, certifying all UPN deliveries as Carbon Neutral. Each UPN member will receive a Carbon Neutral Delivery Badge and licence enabling them to confirm and promote carbon neutral status.

“Being a pallet network UPN are already at the sharp end of sustainable logistics,” said David, “As the APN (Association of Pallet Networks) highlights, sector vehicle fill is 73% compared to a Logistics industry average of 51%, reducing by around 800 per day the number of vehicles on our roads. We must recognize though that by the very nature of our business our industry will leave a carbon footprint, we can’t help that at the moment”

At UPN we have a real commitment to do what we can to help protect our planet

Carbon Neutral Britain is providing a Carbon Emissions Report based on projected figures for 2024 to clearly, accurately, and transparently demonstrate how the carbon footprint of the UPN network has been calculated and offset via the ISO 14064 and GHG Emissions Protocol accounting standards. These are the two largest and most recognised methods for carbon footprint calculation in the world used by the UK Government and all public agencies. The report confirms how emissions have been validated and offset via CNB, with third party assurance.

All carbon offsetting projects supported by Carbon Neutral Britain are verified to the highest standards via the three largest carbon certifications in the world - the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), Gold Standard Voluntary Emission Reductions (VER), and the United Nations Certified Emission Reductions (CER) programmes. Projects are funded across the developing world that help provide education, employment, clean water, energy and a positive impact on local wildlife and ecology. UPN will provide complete transparency of all projects supported in regular updates.

“At UPN we have a real commitment to do what we can to help protect our planet,” said David Brown, “Team UPN, all our staff, all our members, all our suppliers are fully committed to help us to drive forward this very important initiative. Furthermore, UPN are hoping that by being the first network to go Carbon Neutral we will encourage others to follow so that as a sector we can all make a real difference.”

“This new partnership with Carbon Neutral Britain is UPNs commitment to optimise our ethical position in this crucial area. UPN has a moral obligation to do as much as we can. This is in no way the easy option, however at the moment it’s the most impactful way we can make a difference.”

By homing in on the company’s distinct point of difference within the sector in terms of its bespoke IT support systems and infrastructure, and its quality driven focus on service excellence, UPN has established a unique position in the Pallet Network Sector with its “Unique IQ” initiative. Established in 2001, UPN has grown strongly and steadily into a high quality palletised freight distribution network. Focussed on growth through member success UPN currently have over 90 members covering the whole of the UK, and European partners providing coverage throughout 26 countries.

You can learn more reading our sustainability page and by visiting carbonneutralbritain.org