JSE-listed consumer goods and food company Tiger Brands has introduced 14 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks into the Albany bread distribution fleet as part of its efforts to transition to a lower-emissions logistics network.

The vehicles, which have a single-trip range of about 480 km, have begun delivering bread on routes closest to the bakery to maximise efficiency. They are supported by a dedicated CNG fuelling point installed on site.

The R12-million fleet of CNG trucks is operating from Tiger Brands’ Albany Germiston Bakery, in Johannesburg.

The Albany Super Bakery, currently under construction in Tshwane, will be the next Tiger Brands operation to receive a CNG fleet, the company says.

Tiger Brands aims to reduce its environmental footprint while improving operational efficiency, strengthening supply chain resilience and supporting consumer affordability. The Albany CNG rollout forms part of Tiger Brands' long-term fleet strategy to diversify its transport energy mix and reduce reliance on diesel.

Over the next five years, the company plans to transition 10% of its fleet to alternative-fuel vehicles, while piloting electric, hybrid and solar-powered vehicle technologies to assess their suitability across its operations.

“We expect the introduction of CNG vehicles to the Albany fleet to deliver meaningful benefits for the business and value for our consumers by lowering fuel costs, reducing exposure to diesel price volatility and improving fleet efficiency.

“Simultaneously, we are reducing our impact on the environment and caring for the communities in which we operate,” says Tiger Brands Bakeries MD Quinton Swart.

CNG vehicles are powered by natural gas stored under high pressure and used as an alternative to conventional diesel. Compared with diesel-powered vehicles, they produce lower emissions and fewer air pollutants, while offering a more cost-effective fuel source.

Although South Africa's CNG market is still in its early stages, the technology has gained traction internationally.

According to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa, commercial fleets are increasingly adopting lower-emission transport solutions, and more than 28.5-million natural gas vehicles are already in operation globally.

Further, businesses continue to navigate volatility and uncertainty in global energy markets, placing pressure on transport costs, supply chains and consumer affordability.

By diversifying its transport energy mix, Tiger Brands aims to reduce its reliance on conventional diesel while improving operational resilience and transport cost predictability.

It also supports the company’s 2030 Environmental Stewardship targets to reduce carbon emissions by 30% and source 31% of its electrical energy from renewable sources, the company says.