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Sustainable fuel choices: considerations when upgrading your FLT fleet

Green FLT with a Calor BioLPG logo on the side. Inside a warehouse, lifting pallets

With Calor BioLPG now available, many forklift truck (FLT) fleet managers may be considering whether they should upgrade to this sustainable fuel solution over alternatives such as electricity. Andy Kellett, National Accounts Manager at Calor, looks at four important considerations to bear in mind when making your decision about forklift gas:

1) Hassle-free transition from LPG to BioLPG


Chemically identical to LPG, BioLPG is a drop-in fuel for existing LPG forklift truck fleets. Simply no changes to supply infrastructure or existing equipment are required.

LPG’s viability as a forklift gas for the FLT market is already well-established. Switching to BioLPG can offer even further benefits, especially as there is an ever-increasing focus on implementing more sustainable solutions across business supply chains and BioLPG as a renewable and non-fossil fuel makes sound commercial sense.

2) BioLPG has a clear carbon saving potential


Calor’s BioLPG offers carbon savings up to 32 per cent1, based on a blend of 40 per cent BioLPG and 60 per cent conventional LPG. By adopting BioLPG as their forklift truck gas, organisations can demonstrate their green credentials while still enjoying the already-established benefits of LPG.

As part of its commitment to supply 100% renewable energy by 2040, Calor is taking steps to encourage the switch of all its FLT customers over to its BioLPG tariff.

3) Cost-savings


BioLPG is available at the same price as standard LPG, so will not have an impact on fuel outlay.

Equally, as BioLPG-using FLTs do not require any ancillary equipment, there is no additional need to purchase batteries or charging equipment, as may be required to run an electric fleet.

4) BioLPG offers fast refuelling and minimal downtime


Limiting downtime is an important factor for many businesses. This is where LPG-fuelled models offer marked logistical benefits over their electric counterparts. For example, LPG-powered forklifts can run up to three times longer than electric as they don’t require as much time to recharge2.

It must also be noted that during this recharging process, an electric FLT will be completely out of action. This inevitably impacts the business’s productivity levels too. LPG forklift trucks can perform consistently in outdoor environments and steeper terrain and are known for their lifting capability, further boosting productivity.

In conclusion, BioLPG forklift gas offers strong combination of performance and sustainability for decision makers in the FLT market.

To find out more about BioLPG, simply visit www.calor.co.uk/flt.

1Atlantic Consulting 2017
2LPG for Forklift Trucks Report, Atlantic Consulting