Mitsui & Co., Ltd. announced its intention to introduce B100 (100% biodiesel) on a trial basis for use in a delivery truck servicing 7-Eleven stores in Japan. The trial will start on December 26, 2024, at the Frozen Kobe Center, a combined distribution center in Hyogo Prefecture for 7-Eleven stores. Mitsui will employ Optimus Technologies’ proprietary Vector System to enable optimal operations on B100.
The B100 that will be used in this new trial scheme is refined plant-based used cooking oil. Since CO2 is absorbed during the growth of the plants used to make cooking oil, the CO2 emission level is considered net zero during combustion. The use of B100 fuel is expected to contribute to achieving carbon neutrality for 7-Eleven operations in Japan. Compared with conventional diesel fuel, the use of B100 reduces CO2 emissions by an estimate 2.62 kg per liter.
B100 fuel will be refined from used cooking oil collected from approximately 1,500 7-Eleven stores in Osaka and Kyoto Prefectures. This fuel will be used in a delivery truck at the Frozen Kobe Center (operated by Mitsui & Co. Retail Group, Ltd.) to service 7-Eleven stores in the Osaka area. The procurement and supply management of the biodiesel fuel will also be handled by a 100% subsidiary of Mitsui.
In addition to expecting a reduction in CO2 emissions through the use of B100 fuel, this initiative will also gather driving data, such as fuel consumption, to consider future increases in the number of trucks and expansion of the coverage area. 7-Eleven and Mitsui see the use of B100 as an effective way to reduce CO2 emissions from land transportation. Both companies aim to contribute to the development of an environment-friendly logistics infrastructure network.
7-Eleven and Mitsui will continue to work toward the realization of a carbon-neutral society through various initiatives. Mitsui is a public investor in MiABC Stakeholder Optimus Technologies, the developer of technology that enables diesel engines to run on 100% biodiesel year-round.
Originally shared by Mitsui, December 25, 2024. Edited for clarity and purpose.