Biffa Invests in Fleet and Strategic Sustainability Shift
Biffa bolsters its national operations with 57 new UK-built vehicles and a strategic shift to HVO fuel as it leads the way in sustainable waste management. Looking to strengthen its national operational capacity, leading waste management firm Biffa has commissioned 57 new vehicles from Boughton Engineering. The investment comprises 30 skip loaders, 18 hookloaders and nine trailers.
The rollout, which will see vehicles delivered to depots across the UK over the coming months, is designed to enhance Biffa's ability to manage its vast daily throughput. With the company collecting approximately 15,000 tonnes of waste every day, the infusion of high-performance machinery is essential for maintaining service standards. Darren Judd, Biffa's Head of Fleet Development, emphasised that the decision was driven by Boughton's reputation for quality, something he saw firsthand during a visit to its fabrication facility in Devon recently.
He said, "Boughton's vehicles are renowned for their quality and reliability, which are crucial in helping us deliver the high standards of service our customers expect." The partnership highlights a long-standing relationship between the two companies. Boughton Engineering, headquartered in Wolverhampton, remains the only UK-based manufacturer producing skip loaders at scale.
This order specifically features its flagship Power-Reach PR18 skip loader, alongside bespoke trailers and the hookloader designs the company pioneered back in 1973. Beyond logistical efficiency, this fleet expansion aligns with Biffa's broader sustainability goals. As the company continues to pivot toward resource recovery and enhanced recycling, the reliability of its transport infrastructure is paramount.
By investing in durable, UK-built equipment, Biffa not only supports the domestic supply chain but ensures it has the technical capacity to meet its ambitious targets for reducing waste and recovering valuable resources. Shifting to HVO While the addition of 57 new vehicles enhances immediate capacity, the company is simultaneously future-proofing its fleet through a major transition to HVO.
In a strategic partnership with Certas Energy, Biffa has converted 25 transfer station plant vehicles within its Industrial & Commercial (I&C) division to run on this renewable fuel. The switch to HVO is a key component in Biffa's commitment to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030. The rollout of HVO has resulted in a 90% reduction in carbon emissions compared to standard diesel, as well as improved local air quality due to near-zero sulphur and significantly lower nitrogen oxides.
In the first six months, conversions at the firm's Midlands and North West transfer stations have saved over 280 tonnes of carbon. Biffa now operates over 150 alternatively fuelled vehicles, including both HVO and electric models. This latest conversion has propelled the alternative fuel proportion of the Midlands and North West fleet from 3% to 15% in a matter of months.
As Monica Heenighan, I&C North Area Director at Biffa, noted, "HVO vehicles allow us to be greener faster and are a crucial step to reducing emissions." She concedes that its 2030 target will depend on the Government coming forward with an infrastructure strategy for commercial vehicles, followed by a rapid implementation plan that has a positive impact on the commercial vehicle supply chain. But crucially, Biffa will continue "to play our part in the UK's transition to a greener, circular and more sustainable economy." Leading from the Front
Biffa's recent investments show a company eager to lead by example. Indeed, over the past 12 months, the firm has won or been nominated for a number of industry accolades, most notably at the 2025 Awards for Excellence in Recycling and Waste Management. The company's strategic partnership with Cornwall Council and Suez secured a headline win for Service Change at a Local Authority Level, a project that has successfully boosted local recycling rates from 33% to an impressive 53% while significantly reducing kerbside residual waste.
Beyond large-scale contracts, Biffa has been highly commended for its internal culture and community impact. Its Engineering Apprenticeship Scheme, accredited by the IET, was recognised for providing social value and developing the next generation of mechatronic technicians. The company also received accolades for its safety initiatives -- including road safety workshops for nearly 2,000 children in Manchester -- and for the exceptional dedication of its collection crews in East Sussex and Surrey.
These honours highlight a business that is not only expanding its physical fleet but also setting the gold standard for safety, innovation, and social responsibility.
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