Johannesburg – Tiger Brands is improving its logistics operations by adding compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks to its Albany bread distribution fleet.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint while enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening supply chain resilience, and supporting consumer affordability.
An initial fleet of 14 CNG-powered trucks has been introduced, with an investment of around R12 million, operating out of the Albany Germiston Bakery in Johannesburg.
These vehicles, with a single-trip capacity of approximately 480km, have begun bread deliveries on the nearest routes to the bakery to ensure maximum efficiency.
A dedicated CNG fueling station has been set up on-site to support these trucks.
The upcoming Albany Super Bakery in Pretoria will be the next Tiger Brands facility to feature a CNG fleet.
The launch of Albany’s CNG fleet is a key part of Tiger Brands’ long-term vision to diversify its transport energy sources and reduce its reliance on diesel.
Over the next five years, the company plans to shift 10% of its fleet to alternative-fuel vehicles while also testing electric, hybrid, and solar-powered vehicle technologies to assess their performance in operations.
This initiative comes at a time when companies are encountering challenges from volatility and uncertainty in global energy markets, which impact transport costs, supply chains, and consumer pricing.
By diversifying its transport energy sources, Tiger Brands aims to lessen its dependence on traditional diesel, thus improving operational resilience and predictability in transport expenses.
This move also supports the company’s 2030 Environmental Stewardship objectives, which include a 30% reduction in carbon emissions and sourcing 31% of its electrical energy from renewable resources.
“We expect that integrating CNG vehicles into the Albany fleet will yield significant advantages for the business and deliver added value to consumers through lower fuel costs, reduced sensitivity to diesel price changes, and enhanced fleet efficiency,” said Quinton Swart, MD: Bakeries at Tiger Brands.
“At the same time, we are minimizing our environmental impact and supporting the communities we serve.”
CNG vehicles operate on natural gas stored at high pressure, serving as a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel.
Compared to diesel-powered vehicles, they produce lower emissions and provide a more cost-effective fuel option.
Although South Africa’s CNG market is still emerging, this technology has gained traction globally.
According to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), more commercial fleets are increasingly adopting lower-emission transport methods, with over 28.5 million natural gas vehicles currently in use worldwide.
