Goodyear Sustainable Reality Survey reveals importance of sustainability to truck fleets

At the launch of the FUELMAX ENDURANCE truck tyre range, Goodyear mentioned about the Sustainable Reality Survey it was undertaking to offer fresh insights into what truck fleets are doing to reduce emissions. Key findings from the research:

• 61% of UK based fleets have put formalised sustainability objectives in place. 
• 63% are pursuing sustainability out of concern for the environment, as opposed to business-related or operational reasons.
• Cost and complexity are the greatest barriers to further progress. 

The results also highlight the most popular solutions to help improve sustainability, from fuel-efficient tyres to telematic solutions, to the most uncommon solutions, such as alternate drivetrains.

Ninety-two UK fleet operators were surveyed, with the results proving encouraging. 61% (3 in 5) have put formalised sustainability objectives in place, while a further 27% expect to do so within the next 12 months. When asked why they viewed sustainability as important, nearly two-thirds (63%) responded that their interest stemmed either from concern for the environment or their corporate values. Comparatively, a much smaller number suggested that their concerns were purely business-related, with just 17% saying that they value sustainability as a way to reduce operating costs and 13% that it’s a requirement to win new business.

Maciej Szymanski, Director of Marketing for Commercial Business Europe  at Goodyear, commented on the findings: “It’s heartening to see that fleets are responding so positively to the challenge of climate change. For such a large number to not only be taking action, but to be putting plans in place out of a genuine concern for environment, as opposed to simply to appeal to new customers, is incredibly encouraging. The challenge facing the industry now is meeting those objectives, as well as stressing their importance to those fleets that haven’t yet taken action.”

Among the most popular solutions already being used by respondents to improve the sustainability of their fleets are fuel-efficient tyres (67%), telematics solutions to monitor and reduce fuel consumption (65%) and the setting of fuel consumption objectives for drivers or implementation of driver training (59%). The most uncommon solutions were retread tyres (36%), alternate drivetrains, such as hybrid and electric (25%), and the deployment of higher capacity vehicles or duo trailers (21%).

When asked what was preventing them from adopting even more sustainable solutions, respondents cited the cost (52%) and complexity (36%) of some solutions as the most significant challenges. Three-quarters (75%) said that financial incentives would encourage them to further improve the sustainability of their operations, while half (48%) said that solutions which are easier to use would be helpful.

Maciej concluded: “Making the industry more sustainable is going to take time, and of course, there are still hurdles for fleets to overcome. As the industry moves towards a greener future, we’re seeing a clear need for solutions that will help meet those sustainability goals. It’s critical that suppliers rise to that challenge, and provide straightforward solutions that can be easily implemented, in order to help them on their journey.”