Greenfood is scaling up. A large portion of the Group’s outgoing fruit and vegetable deliveries across Sweden are now rolling on fossil-free trains. Through a strategic partnership with logistics partner Sandahls, carbon dioxide emissions are being reduced by up to 98 percent compared to diesel-powered truck transport.
As part of its long-term sustainability efforts, Greenfood, through its subsidiary Ewerman, has shifted the bulk of its transport from Helsingborg to northern Sweden from road to rail. The initiative is carried out in close collaboration with Sandahls and means that fresh produce is now transported by trains powered by 100 percent green electricity.
A Dramatic Reduction in Emissions
The impact of the shift is extensive. On the Helsingborg–Luleå route, emissions from the rail solution amount to approximately 5 tons of carbon dioxide per month. Equivalent transport by diesel trucks would have generated a staggering 284 tons. This means that carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by up to 98 percent compared to diesel-powered truck transport.
For Sandahls, the initiative is a testament to the fact that heavy transport can be achieved with minimal climate impact without compromising efficiency. Sandahls owns the trains, the intermodal wagons, and the truck fleets—giving the company control over the entire process.
“We have set an extremely ambitious goal to be completely fossil-free by the start of 2026. The fact that we have already converted 450 trucks and run our trains on 100 percent green electricity shows that we don’t just talk about sustainability; we are taking responsibility here and now,” says Christian Mattson of Sandahls.
Technology that Secures Freshness
Transporting sensitive goods such as mixed salads, fruit, and vegetables places high demands on temperature control and precision. Sandahls’ specially adapted, temperature-controlled rail wagons ensure a stable temperature throughout the entire transport chain.
When the train reaches the intermodal terminals in northern Sweden, the units are transferred to electric and biogas-powered trucks for the “last mile” to Greenfood’s customers. This ensures that even the final leg of the journey is completed without fossil fuels.
High Reliability and Preparedness
By switching to rail, Greenfood reduces its fossil fuel dependency while strengthening its logistical robustness. The partnership with Sandahls also includes high levels of contingency; in the event of rail disruptions, transport can quickly be rerouted to fossil-free truck solutions to ensure delivery security.
“At Greenfood, we dare to challenge what has long been considered impossible. Fresh fruit and vegetables have a short shelf life and are sensitive to temperature and time, which has made rail transport very difficult in our industry. Moving such large volumes to fossil-free trains and reducing emissions on a challenging transport route by over 98 percent shows that courage, ambition, and the right partners can change the entire playing field – without compromising on quality or delivery reliability”, says Lisa Isakson, Head of Sustainability at Greenfood.
