This new partnership aims to upcycle older vehicles instead of scrapping them as Biffa transitions to a zero-emissions fleet. By replacing diesel engines with electric, the initiative offers a new lease of life to the fleet of bin lorries, while reducing emissions and tackling global climate change.

Lunaz, based in Silverstone, has committed to upcycling Biffa’s existing diesel refuse trucks through its proprietary upcycling and electrification process and technology. The multi-year production program will initially deliver up to 10 26-tonne Upcycled Electric Vehicle (UEV) refuse trucks to Biffa, saving up to 210 tonnes in embedded carbon.

By transitioning large vehicles to electric, Biffa and Lunaz are breaking the ‘replace with new’ cycle in line with the principles of the circular economy. Following the successful completion of technical trials and due diligence, the first deliveries of UEV refuse trucks will take place for operations on UK refuse collection routes in 2023. This partnership will save UK councils more than £1 million in public money for every 20 vehicles upcycled and electrified instead of purchasing new EV equivalents, the companies say in a joint statement. Moreover, this partnership will support more than 300 jobs and create a new, green capability.

This agreement represents a significant milestone for Biffa as it signals progress towards its 2030 sustainability commitments in line with the UN’s sustainable development goals. This includes reducing emissions by 50% by 2030, ceasing the purchase of fossil fuelled trucks, and building a circular economy. Every upcycled electric vehicle produced by Lunaz saves 82% of the embedded carbon within that vehicle. Lunaz’s factory in Silverstone, Northants, has the capacity to upcycle over 1,110 industrial vehicles every year.

“I am thrilled to announce Biffa and Lunaz’ fleet electrification and upcycling partnership. As the UK’s leading sustainable waste management company we are committed to enabling the circular economy while reducing emissions and carbon expenditure in every aspect of our business. By working with Lunaz to meet our goal of buying no more fossil fuelled vehicles by 2030 while breaking the replace-with-new cycle, we pioneer an approach in this industry that saves millions of tonnes in embedded carbon” said Maxine Mayhew, Biffa COO Collection & Specialist Services.

“Biffa has led from the front in pioneering more sustainable waste management practices here in the UK. At Lunaz, we are proud to assist in delivering Biffa’s sustained commitment to leading the waste management industry’s transition to net zero. By embracing the power of upcycling as a dramatically more sustainable course to the transition to a clean air fleet, Biffa delivers economic value to its stakeholders while delivering a great ecological dividend to the planet. By finding new life for diesel-emitting vehicles, we are delighted to stand together with a leading UK company in creating the potential to reduce global emissions at scale.” added David Lorenz, Founder & CEO of Lunaz.