DHL Express and SHEIN expand partnership with SAF push - Aviation Business News

Online fashion and lifestyle retailer SHEIN has partnered with DHL Express to incorporate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into its international express air freight operations, as both companies look to reduce emissions across intercontinental logistics.The agreement, signed under DHL’s GoGreen Plus programme, builds on a long-standing relationship between the two companies, with DHL continuing to serve as a core carrier within SHEIN’s global logistics network. The collaboration has evolved in recent years from capacity support to more integrated regional initiatives.Under the new arrangement, the two companies will work together to explore practical applications of SAF in cross-border e-commerce logistics, with a focus on understanding how the fuel can be deployed at scale within global air cargo operations.John Pearson, chief executive of DHL Express, said: “Signing the GoGreen Plus agreement with SHEIN marks another important milestone in DHL Express’ commitment to driving the green transformation of air logistics.“As a long-term partner in SHEIN’s global logistics network, we are pleased to work together to explore how sustainable aviation fuel can be incorporated into their air cargo operations.”Mustan Lalani, head of sustainability at SHEIN, added: “Partnerships with logistics providers such as DHL Express are an important way for companies like SHEIN to explore how emerging solutions such as sustainable aviation fuel can be incorporated into global logistics networks.“Through initiatives like this, we aim to better understand how SAF-related solutions operate in practice while supporting broader industry efforts to expand their availability over time.”DHL Express launched its GoGreen Plus service in 2023, offering customers the ability to reduce Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions through an ‘insetting’ approach using SAF. Produced from renewable feedstocks such as used cooking oil and other waste materials, SAF can reduce lifecycle emissions by around 80% compared with conventional jet fuel.The logistics provider said SAF accounted for approximately 10% of fuel consumption across its dedicated air fleet in 2025, up sharply from 3.5% the previous year. The initiative forms part of DHL Group’s wider Strategy 2030: Accelerating Sustainable Growth, which includes developing end-to-end logistics solutions across sectors such as alternative fuels, hydrogen, and energy systems.READ MORE NEWS: DHL Express and Cathay Group launch SAF partnership in Asia