Wellcome goes green with first electric truck in HK

Wellcome Supermarket, a retail brand under DFI Retail Group, has acquired a European-made 24-ton electric truck, as part of the group's commitment to sustainable development. 

This strategic move makes Wellcome the first retail company in Hong Kong to adopt such vehicles. It has also planned to add a second one to its fleet in Hong Kong later this year. 

This initiative is part of DFI’s broader sustainability strategy, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2030 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

According to Wellcome, this new electric truck is projected to save approximately 264,000 litres of diesel over a decade when compared to traditional fuel trucks. This is equivalent to a reduction of around 538 tons of carbon emissions, which is comparable to the annual carbon absorption by about 24,710 trees, thereby substantially improving air quality. In addition, the electric truck produces less noise than its conventional diesel counterparts, which contributes to a decrease in noise pollution.

Apart from the deployment of the first 24-ton electric truck by Wellcome in Hong Kong, DFI has been taking various measures to reduce its carbon footprint. For example, IKEA, operated by the group in Taiwan, also adopted the first 26-ton electric truck in Taiwan last year. 

DFI Retail Group said it will consistently review its operations to enhance sustainable development and explore the feasibility of expanding its green fleet through direct purchasing and collaboration with third-party logistics providers. 

Balancing operational requirements with environmental responsibilities, DFI is working tirelessly on reducing fuel consumption, energy usage, and carbon emissions, ready to embark on the future challenges of logistics.

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Michael Haas, supply chain director, DFI Retail Group, said: “By introducing the first 24-ton electric truck in Hong Kong through our smart transport solutions partner, Scania, we have achieved a new milestone in our green logistics. We will continue to evaluate the commercial viability of electric trucks and explore the prospects of fleet electrification to build a green supply chain.”

Darren Chan, managing director, Wellcome Hong Kong and Macau, said: “While providing customers with quality products and services, we are committed to reducing carbon emissions generated during our operations. Wellcome has previously installed an extensive solar panel system at our fresh food centre to support renewable energy development, and the introduction of electric trucks this year further demonstrates Wellcome’s commitment to being a socially responsible retailer.”

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to DFI Retail Group for more information.

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