Sustainability is no longer a “nice-to-have” in logistics processes, but a “must-have.” COO Jonathan Adeoye explains the role that decarbonization of supply chains plays at Hellmann.
October 2025 – For Jonathan Adeoye, COO Road on the International Executive Board (IEB) of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics and a member of the SAE Supervisory Board, sustainability is a strategic component of corporate management. We spoke with him about the path to zero emissions, “green corridors” at SAE, and whether customers are willing to pay higher prices for environmental commitment.
Mr. Adeoye, what is the goal of Hellmann's Cleaner Road Freight initiative?
Jonathan Adeoye: With our Cleaner Road Freight initiative, we at Hellmann are sending a clear signal for the decarbonization of the logistics sector. Sustainability has been deeply rooted in our corporate culture and our current strategy for decades. Together with customers, network partners, and transport companies, we want to drive forward the transformation from ‘gray to green’. Our goal is to test sustainable solutions and, if successful, consistently integrate them into everyday life in order to actively shape the path to zero emissions and take responsibility as a pioneer in the industry.
How does Hellmann implement its sustainability goals?
We implement our sustainability goals consistently and measurably. A reliable database is essential for this: by working with Shipzero, we record our emissions across all modes of transport and in all scopes (1–3), creating transparency. On this basis, we have defined concrete measures as part of our Cleaner Road Freight Initiative to achieve our milestones set for 2030. In land transport, we are currently reducing our carbon footprint through a mix of alternative drive systems – from e-trucks to BIO-LNG to hydrogen vehicles – and are also promoting their use among our partners. We are also increasing efficiency and driving forward the decarbonization of our logistics processes by using innovative technologies such as AI-supported route planning, implementing more multimodal transport, and developing so-called green corridors in collaboration with network partners such as SAE. At the same time, we are investing in photovoltaics, heat pumps, charging infrastructure, and intelligent energy systems at our locations.
How do customers rate the Cleaner Logistics commitment?
Our customers rate the commitment of our Cleaner Logistics initiative very positively across the board. For many, it is crucial that we actively support them in achieving their own sustainability goals – whether through the joint reduction of CO₂ emissions or the targeted conversion of existing transport systems to alternative drive systems. Even if not everyone is yet prepared to pay higher prices for green logistics products, we see no alternative to transformation. For us, sustainability is an indispensable prerequisite for long-term success. That is why we reliably support our customers with innovative, green solutions on this path, so that we can move forward together and consistently.
Is environmentally emission-free transport also important for Hellmann in international general cargo transport?
In order to achieve the decarbonization of logistics in the long term, emission-free transport is also indispensable in international general cargo transport. The use of electric trucks is still limited today due to high acquisition costs, short ranges, and a lack of charging infrastructure. However, we are convinced that falling vehicle prices, increasing ranges, and the expansion of charging infrastructure will significantly advance the international use of electric trucks in the medium term. Hellmann is already investing in its own charging points at its branches in order to contribute to the future of e-mobility in heavy-duty transport.
Currently, however, we are relying on LNG and, increasingly, bio-LNG vehicles as a bridge technology in international transport in order to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions today. Our goal is clear: to gradually transition to emission-free international general cargo transport.
