Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and SEVEN-ELEVEN JAPAN CO., LTD. have launched a trial to test an eco-friendly fuel in delivery trucks serving 7-Eleven stores. The test, which began on December 26, 2024, is taking place at the Frozen Kobe Center in Hyogo Prefecture. This facility acts as a distribution hub for 7-Eleven stores in the region.
The fuel being tested is B100, a biodiesel fuel made entirely from refined cooking oil derived from plants. Since the plants absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, the fuel is expected to produce net-zero carbon dioxide emissions when burned. This effort is seen as a step toward achieving carbon neutrality.
According to the companies, B100 fuel reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 2.62 kilograms per litre compared to regular diesel. The biodiesel used in the trial comes from cooking oil collected at around 1,500 7-Eleven stores in Osaka and Kyoto Prefectures. It is then supplied to a delivery truck operating from the Frozen Kobe Center, managed by Mitsui & Co. Retail Group, Ltd., which distributes goods to 7-Eleven stores in the Osaka area. Mitsui’s subsidiary is responsible for procuring and supplying the biodiesel.
The trial aims to measure fuel consumption and collect operational data to determine if biodiesel trucks can be used more widely and cover larger delivery areas. Mitsui and 7-Eleven see this initiative as an important step toward reducing transportation-related carbon emissions and building a cleaner delivery network.
This project builds on earlier efforts by the companies to reduce environmental impact. Past initiatives have included the introduction of trucks powered by hydrogen fuel cells and electric vehicles. Mitsui and 7-Eleven continue to look for ways to build a cleaner and greener delivery system.
In this partnership, 7-Eleven is responsible for creating a system to use biodiesel in-store deliveries. Mitsui & Co. is working on improving delivery systems to lower environmental impact and make better use of used cooking oil. Mitsui & Co. Energy is managing the sourcing and supply of next-generation fuels. Mitsui & Co. Retail Group is making deliveries with biodiesel trucks and gathering data, while Uedayushi is collecting used cooking oil and turning it into biodiesel fuel.
Mitsui & Co. Retail Group, Ltd., established in April 2024, is based in Tokyo’s Minato-ku district. The company employs about 2,600 people and focuses on selling, importing, and exporting food, beverages, and everyday goods. It also provides packaging materials, makes and processes products, and manages distribution and storage.
Through their joint efforts, Mitsui and 7-Eleven hope to make progress in protecting the environment and cutting the carbon footprint of their operations.
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