DPD Launches new EcoLab

DPD is looking for companies that specialise in sustainable solutions to reduce carbon emissions in transport, delivery, and buildings for their first EcoLab.

DPD is partnering with L Marks to launch an EcoLab to discover additional sustainable solutions for their business. This initiative will be centered around carbon reduction in transport, delivery, and buildings, with the goal of minimising DPD’s environmental impact. The EcoLab will bring together experts in sustainability, technology, and innovation to develop and test new ideas that can help DPD further reduce its carbon footprint. This partnership is a key step towards DPD’s goal of reaching net zero by 2040.

Tim Jones, Director of Marketing, Communications & Sustainability DPDgroup UK commented, “We are delighted to be partnering with L Marks to launch this EcoLab. The project will play a key part in shaping our sustainability strategy and helping achieve our stated aim of being the most sustainable parcel delivery company in the UK. Investing in and developing new sustainable technologies and innovations is crucial in the next few years to ensure we can reach net zero, and partnering with experts in this way can accelerate that progress.”

L Marks will scout and identify businesses to apply for a unique opportunity to take their innovative ideas to the next level. The EcoLab will be a ten-week immersive programme where participants will have the opportunity to validate their solutions, access to DPD’s network and resources, and mentorship from industry experts.

Applications open on the 12th of June 2023 seeking to solutions in the following areas:

Carbon Emission Reduction in Transport: Fleet Decarbonisation
DPD has over 1,000 Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) operating on the roads across the UK every day. DPD has greatly improved their HGVs’ environmental impact but wants to reduce their fleet’s carbon footprint further. The company is looking for solutions around alternative fuel sources, electric batteries and alternative delivery methods.

Carbon Emission Reduction in Collection & Delivery
In order to be the UK’s most sustainable delivery company, DPD is investing heavily in their all-electric delivery fleet, which currently consists of 3,000 electric vehicles in their operation’s Collection and Delivery area. DPD is looking for solutions to make driving electric vehicles easier for drivers. Solutions may include EV charging stations and alternative electric vehicles.

Carbon Emission Reduction in Buildings: ‘Hub of the Future’
DPD operates across a network of more than 100 buildings, including depots, hubs, and offices. As this number is constantly growing, reducing the carbon footprint of these buildings and the operations that take place within them is essential. DPD wants to find the leading solutions and innovations that can be retrofitted into their current depots and/or installed in their future depots.

Looking further out, DPD is also looking to design and build depots in the ‘greenest’ way possible moving forward.

“We are excited to be working with DPD on this important initiative,” said Daniel Saunders, CEO of L Marks. “The EcoLab is a testament to DPD’s commitment to sustainability and their willingness to embrace new ideas and technologies to achieve their goals. As the world becomes more conscious of the impact of carbon emissions, companies like DPD are leading the way in finding innovative solutions that safeguard the planet for future generations”.
Applications will close on 16/07/23.