British independent furniture retailer Barker and Stonehouse has introduced a hydrogen-powered home delivery vehicle, after two years of development.
The prototype is designed to help Barker and Stonehouse with its wider emissions reduction plans, and could one day replace its current delivery fleet.
Based at the retailer’s Lincoln test centre, the zero-emission prototype will enable delivery drivers to test it for 12 months from July. If found to be viable, Barker and Stonehouse will look to roll the vehicles on a national basis, gradually replacing its delivery fleet.
James Barker, managing director of Barker and Stonehouse, said: “Further exploring the use of hydrogen-powered vehicles forms part of our commitment to environmental responsibility and aligns with our goal of minimising our impact on the planet. We are proud to be pioneers in exploring the possibilities of this exciting potential shift.”
As part of this shift, the furniture retailer is also working to optimise delivery routes for efficiency. It has also invested in renewable energy sources for its stores and warehouses, and sustainable packaging materials where possible.
Barker and Stonehouse became a Carbon Neutral Plus company in April 2021 and was the first UK furniture retailer to receive the certification.
Learn more about homeware retailers turning to sustainable delivery methods in the RetailX European Homeware report. It highlights how as younger customers become home-makers, speedy delivery, ethical sourcing, sustainable production and delivery are becoming key drivers of the sector.
The full report includes 49 illustrative RetailX figures, charts and graphs, nine company profiles including: Blinds2Go, Displate, Plumbworld, Jardiland and Dunelm and three case studies including: E.Leclerc, Furniturebox and Wayfair.
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