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KeHE to add renewable natural gas-powered trucks to fleet

Partnership with Clean Energy Fuels to cut annual carbon emissions

Russell Redman

March 25, 2020

2 Min Read
KeHE_Distributors_truck-Clean_Energy.jpg
KeHE plans to swap five diesel trucks with compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks, for a yearly carbon reduction of 674 metric tons.KeHE Distributors

This year, KeHE Distributors plans to add low-carbon emission trucks fueled with renewable natural gas (RNG) to its California fleet via a partnership with Clean Energy Fuels Corp.

KeHE said yesterday it will swap five diesel trucks with compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks. The move is expected to yield an annual carbon reduction of 674 metric tons, the equivalent of planting 11,120 trees and recycling 235 tons of landfill waste, according to the Naperville, Ill.-based natural, organic and specialty food distributor.

A clean, low-carbon alternative fuel made from organic waste, Clean Energy's Redeem RNG has been proven to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 70% versus diesel, KeHE reported. Clean Energy also has developed Zero Now, an ultra-clean fuel and engine combination designed to help achieve zero emissions in the trucking industry.

“As a certified B Corporation and stewards of the environment, KeHE firmly believes in using our business as a force for good,” Chris Sieburg, executive vice president of operations at KeHE, said in a statement. “Clean Energy’s Zero Now has enabled us to make progress towards our new carbon-reduction goals. By adding trucks fueled with clean fuel to our fleet, we’re able to sustainably deliver products in a way that aligns with our company's values. To make the kind of impact we’re striving for, progress will be evolutionary. These are great first steps.”

Related:KeHE inks multiyear distribution deal with Northwest Grocers

Each of the five Kenworth CNG tractor trucks will travel about 90,000 miles annually, using about 15,000 gallons of renewable natural gas per truck each year. “It made sense for us to partner with Kenworth, the No. 1 driver-preferred truck in America, that has a long-standing relationship with Clean Energy,” according to Tom Harden, corporate equipment manager at KeHE.

KeHE said the carbon emission reduction produced by the migration to the Kenworth natural gas trucks will be equal to removing 143 cars from the road.

“We’re grateful for this opportunity to move the needle as part of our commitment to running a greener fleet,” commented Laura McCord, executive director of sustainability and corporate responsibility at KeHE. “All drivers have the opportunity to make an environmental impact through the types of vehicles they choose to drive every day. With 284.5 million registered vehicles on the road in the United States, we’re encouraging more companies and consumers to rethink how they get around.”

An employee-owned, B Corp-certified company, KeHE supplies natural food stores, supermarket chains, independent grocery stores and other specialty retailers across North America through its 15 distribution centers.

Related:KeHe looks to cultivate emerging brands

“Switching to trucks fueled with RNG supports KeHE’s commitment to sustainable and responsible living, because they create a clear pathway to the carbon-free distribution of natural and organic foods,” stated Chad Lindholm, vice president at Newport Beach, Calif.-based Clean Energy. “KeHE is a prime example of a fleet taking action that immediately decreases the environmental impact of their operations.”

About the Author

Russell Redman

Senior Editor
Supermarket News

Russell Redman has served as senior editor at Supermarket News since April 2018, his second tour with the publication. In his current role, he handles daily news coverage for the SN website and contributes news and features for the print magazine, as well as participates in special projects, podcasts and webinars and attends industry events. Russ joined SN from Racher Press Inc.’s Chain Drug Review and Mass Market Retailers magazines, where he served as desk/online editor for more than nine years, covering the food/drug/mass retail sector. 

Russell Redman’s more than 30 years of experience in journalism span a range of editorial manager, editor, reporter/writer and digital roles at a variety of publications and websites covering a breadth of industries, including retailing, pharmacy/health care, IT, digital home, financial technology, financial services, real estate/commercial property, pro audio/video and film. He started his career in 1989 as a local news reporter and editor, covering community news and politics in Long Island, N.Y. His background also includes an earlier stint at Supermarket News as center store editor and then financial editor in the mid-1990s. Russ holds a B.A. in journalism (minor in political science) from Hofstra University, where he also earned a certificate in digital/social media marketing in November 2016.

Russell Redman’s experience:

Supermarket News - Informa
Senior Editor 
April 2018 - present

Chain Drug Review/Mass Market Retailers - Racher Press
Desk/Online Editor 
Sept. 2008 - March 2018

CRN magazine - CMP Media
Managing Editor
May 2000 - June 2007

Bank Systems & Technology - Miller Freeman
Executive Editor/Managing Editor
Dec. 1996 - May 2000

Supermarket News - Fairchild Publications
Financial Editor/Associate Editor
April 1995 - Dec. 1996 

Shopping Centers Today Magazine - ICSC 
Desk Editor/Assistant Editor
Dec. 1992 - April 1995

Testa Communications
Assistant Editor/Contributing Editor (Music & Sound Retailer, Post, Producer, Sound & Communications and DJ Times magazines)
Jan. 1991 - Dec. 1992 

American Banker/Bond Buyer
Copy Editor
Oct. 1990 - Jan. 1991 

This Week newspaper - Chanry Communications
Reporter/Editor
May 1989 - July 1990

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