The two companies have signed anew framework agreement for emission reduction rights. The contractfurther deepens their joint commitment to decarbonizing the air freight industry and is astrategic lever for book-and-claim-based CO2e decline. It is based on their environmental partnership from 2022, which will be expanded and intensified by the new initiative.
The signing of the framework agreement was celebrated on Thursday (18DEC25) in Amsterdam, attended by a small group of high-ranking representatives from both companies.
The accord puts a clear focus on emission reduction claims by emphasizing the development of market-ready book-and-claim models to advance SAF solutions across the aviation and transport sectors.
“This agreement shows what collaborative decarbonization in air freight can look like,” said Henk Venema, Executive Vice President of Global Air Freight at DHL Global Forwarding. “Emission Reduction Rights provide predictability, scalability, and transparency – three critical factors for sustainable aviation fuels to make a real impact within the market. Together with AFKLMP, we are establishing a foundation that can serve as a model for the entire industry,” the executive declared.
Long-term approach
DHL Global Forwarding’s collaboration with AFKLMP goes far beyond traditional sustainable aviation fuel procurement. Instead of relying solely on transactional fuel purchases, the partnership centers on a structured, long-term approach to accelerate the adoption of SAF and digital verification processes in the marketplace. For DHL, this is a strategic move that strengthens its position as a leader in emission-reduced air freight, its press release reads. As part of the accord, the Deutsche Post subsidiary recently signed a work order for 35,000 metric tons of CO2e WTW (Well-to-Wheel) emission reduction rights.
“We are proud to renew this partnership with DHL Global Forwarding, a clear sign of leadership,” commented GertJan Roelands, SVP Commercial at Air France KLM Martinair Cargo. “Our shared ambition and continued collaboration on SAF are fundamental to scaling the solutions needed to reduce the carbon footprint of the air freight industry.” The executive went on to say that the new agreement reflects mutual trust, operational commitment, and a firm belief that only through close cooperation can meaningful change across the air freight value chain be achieved.
DHL targets 30% SAF by 2030
AFKLMP has long been one of the top-performing partners in DHL’s GoGreen Carrier Evaluation Program, and actively participates in joint industry initiatives, conferences, and webinars to promote transparency, standards, and practical solutions for more sustainable air freight. Both companies share the goal of further developing book-and-claim models to ensure businesses of all sizes have access to reliable and scalable emission reductions, even if sustainable fuels and technologies are not yet physically available on their trade lanes.
The partnership with AFKLMP plays a central role in DHL Group’s aim to increase the use of SAF to 30% come 2030. This will be achieved by enabling measurable emission reductions and by the company’s aim to further paving the way for standardized, globally applicable market mechanisms.
‘book & claim’ scheme lowers fossil fuel burn
DHL’s GoGreen Plus products provide decarbonized solutions across DHL’s core offerings by leveraging sustainable fuels and low carbon technology. This is enabled by the company’s ‘book & claim’ approach that allows DHL to directly replace fossil fuels with sustainable fuels within the logistic company’s network and allocate environmental benefits to paying customers, even when their shipments are not physically transported with the assets using these fuels. GoGreen Plus allows DHL’s customers to reduce their indirect Scope 3 emissions in their value chain arising from upstream and downstream transportation and distribution.
