The modifications come courtesy of Aerodymax, a start-up specialised in the development and installation of energy-efficient solutions for trucks.
The side skirts are being installed on the trailers of Jost Group, AB InBev’s logistics and transport partner. It is estimated that the aerodynamic changes can CO 2 emissions by 3 to 5%.
The side skirts, which are attached to the side of the trailer, are made of flexible, fiberglass-reinforced composite that can flex under certain conditions. AB InBev claims it is the first time that this technology has been successfully applied in Europe.
Commenting on the initiative, Tim Moerman, Sustainability and ESG Director Europe at AB InBev, said:
“We are very proud of this partnership with Aerodymax, which is part of our 100+ Accelerator program. If this first trial achieves the intended results, we plan to to equip more trailers from our fleet with these aerodynamic side skirts, which means a significant amount of CO2 reduction can be achieved. This brings us another step closer to our ambition to reach Net Zero across our entire value chain by 2040 and to reduce global CO2 emissions by 25% by 2025. We also hope to set an example for other companies, because if 70 to 80% of trucks in Europe were equipped with these side screens, they would together save 30 to 40 million tons of C0 2 per year.”
Almaz Ayupov, co-founder of Aerodymax adds:
“The collaboration with AB InBev and their help through the 100+ Accelerator program is very important to us. The brewer is the first to implement this technology in its fleet in Europe. We aim to bring our technology into as many companies as possible, as this can make a significant contribution to global sustainability goals. The use of these side skirts is also very cost-effective. We have tested more than 200 trailer side skirts in Europe over the past three years, and not a single side skirt showed any defect. All trucks also reported significant fuel savings and therefore reduced CO2 emissions. We are so convinced of the technology that we offer our customers a three-year warranty.”