Driving change: DB Schenker supplies Mercedes-Benz with record SAF volume

Essen/Stuttgart, March 11, 2025 – New high score: The largest single volume order of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by a DB Schenker customer has been placed by Mercedes-Benz. The record agreement reduces the global automotive company’s CO2e emissions by 40,000 tons through the procurement of around 13,000 tons of SAF. The biofuel is being accredited towards export air freight shipments from Frankfurt to Beijing and Shanghai.

Thorsten Meincke, Global Board Member for Air & Ocean Freight, DB Schenker: “Achieving carbon neutrality is a long-haul journey. Our new biofuel agreement with our trusted partner Mercedes-Benz sets a new benchmark for sustainability commitments. By working together, we are actively and immediately reducing emissions in intercontinental supply chains. This contract represents one of the largest-ever SAF deals in the entire automotive and logistics industries globally. I look forward to seeing more customers join us.”

Elke Pusskeiler, Head of Supply Chain Management, Mercedes-Benz AG: “As part of our ‘Ambition 2039’ for Mercedes-Benz Cars, we aim to reduce CO2 emissions in logistics by 60% compared to 2021. Our sustainability strategy focuses on CO2 avoidance and on the reduction of emissions for all modes of transport in inbound and outbound. Utilizing Sustainable Aviation Fuel for air freight allows us to cut emissions. Together with DB Schenker, we made another significant achievement in our efforts for sustainable logistics.”

DB Schenker and Mercedes-Benz have had a strong partnership for many decades. The joint business stretches across several modes of transport, including land, air, and ocean transport as well as warehouse management. When DB Schenker launched the world’s first regular cargo flight covered by SAF in 2021, Mercedes-Benz was among the initial customers.

While the usage of SAF alone cannot fully eliminate emissions from air transport, it is an available alternative and tangible step in reducing the environmental impact of aviation. It is a well-tested alternative to conventional jet fuel. Produced from waste materials such as used frying oil, it reduces lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 80% compared to fossil fuel. 
 

Further information for editors

• CO2e avoidance: The amount of CO2e released during combustion in the jet engine is equal to the amount of CO2e removed from the atmosphere during the photosynthesis phase of the plants employed to produce the oil the SAF is refined from. While the actual physical insertion of SAF might occur on different flights and airports, the respective amount of conventional kerosene is avoided. This established process is called virtual allocation. 
• Calculation: The method for calculating life cycle emissions and their reductions complies with the EU Renewable Energy Directive II (2018/2001/EU). These are accounted for under Scope 3.  
• Financial commitment: DB Schenker only uses biofuel which is certified palm oil free. Currently, the market price for SAF is 3-5 times more expensive than regular fossil-based fuel. 
• Airline partners: The SAF utilized for Mercedes-Benz’ supply chain is being utilized on several globally operating carriers. 

Mercedes-Benz AG at a glance
Mercedes Benz AG is part of the Mercedes Benz Group AG with a total of around 175,000 employees worldwide and is responsible for the global business of Mercedes Benz Cars and Mercedes Benz Vans. Ola Källenius is Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes Benz AG. The company focuses on the development, production and sales of passenger cars, vans and vehicle-related services. Furthermore, the company aspires to be the leader in the fields of electric mobility and vehicle software. The product portfolio comprises the Mercedes Benz brand with Mercedes AMG, Mercedes Maybach and G Class with their all-electric models as well as products of the smart brand. Mercedes Benz AG is one of the world's largest manufacturers of high-end passenger cars. In 2024 it sold around 2,4 million passenger cars and vans. In its two business segments, Mercedes Benz AG is continually expanding its worldwide production network with more than 30 production sites on four continents, while gearing itself to meet the requirements of electric mobility. At the same time, the company is constructing and extending its global battery production network on three continents. As sustainability is the guiding principle of the Mercedes Benz strategy and for the company itself, this means creating lasting value for all stakeholders: for customers, employees, investors, business partners and society as a whole. The basis for this is the sustainable business strategy of the Mercedes Benz Group. The company thus takes responsibility for the economic, ecological and social effects of its business activities and looks at the entire value chain.
www.mercedes-benz.com