“We are accelerating our journey to net zero emissions, not in the distant future, but here and now.”
Per Fyrenius, Senior Vice President Corporate Development, Toyota Material Handling Europe
Lowering our carbon footprint with lower-emission forklifts
Toyota Material Handling Europe is the first material handling equipment manufacturer to integrate recycled steel made from fossil-free energy into part of its product range. By reducing the reliance on virgin steel, we lower the carbon footprint of the materials used to build our forklifts while maintaining the same strength and durability that you expect.
Strong partnership drives innovation and climate action
Contributing to our near and long-term science-based targets
Steel production has traditionally been a major contributor to carbon emissions. SSAB Zero™ steel reduces the embedded CO2e emissions from the steel by up to 75% compared to hot-rolled steel made in SSAB’s blast furnace production system. We are taking a big step in decreasing the carbon footprint of our sourcing process. This initiative aligns with our environmental objectives and also sets a new standard in the material handling industry.
Our commitment to sustainability drives us to continually seek innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact. A significant milestone in our journey towards net-zero emissions is the integration of lower-emission steel into our products.
Read the SSAB Zero™ steel environmental product declaration >
Our net zero ambitions
We have set a target to achieve net zero emissions across our entire value chain by fiscal year 2041. This goal covers all aspects of our operations, from production to delivery, ensuring a comprehensive approach to sustainability. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has validated our emissions' reduction targets, confirming their alignment with the latest climate science and the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
Collaborative efforts for a more sustainable future
We recognise that achieving our sustainability goals requires collaboration across our entire value chain. By working closely with suppliers, partners and customers, we are fostering a culture of transparency and shared responsibility. As we continue on this path, we remain dedicated to exploring and implementing innovative solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future for all.
Our lower-carbon products
The forks and frames of our high-volume hand pallet truck, Toyota Lifter LHM230, is now made with SSAB Zero™. The same steel is also used in the forks of three popular Toyota BT Levio powered pallet trucks, i.e. Toyota BT Levio LWE130, LWE140 and LWE160.
Production-based emissions associated with the forks and frames of our hand pallet trucks are cut by up to 75%
18% decarbonisation of the entire Toyota Lifter LHM230
(cradle-to-gate)
Lower-emission steel can seamlessly replace conventional grades without compromising on quality
Toyota Lifter hand pallet trucks
The most common frame sizes in our high-volume hand pallet truck range are the first ones made of recycled steel produced using only fossil free fuels and electricity in the process. Same performance and durability, the same timeless icon of material handling, now with less carbon in the materials used.
Toyota BT Levio electric pallet trucks
Our pedestrian pallet trucks, Toyota BT Levio LWE130, LWE140 and LWE160, not only support smooth and intuitive operations, but also contribute to real, measurable carbon savings with their SSAB Zero™ steel forks.
Frequently asked questions about lower-emission forklifts
What is SSAB Zero™?
SSAB Zero™ is made using recycled steel and fossil-free electricity and biogas in the production process significantly reducing carbon emissions. SSAB Zero™ is the first commercial steel of its kind, emitting virtually zero fossil CO2 emission during the production process.
The fossil carbon emissions in SSAB´s production of SSAB Zero™ are less than 0.05 kg CO2e/kg steel in Scope 1 and 2 of the GHG Protocol.
Read the SSAB Zero™ steel environmental product declaration >
What are the main benefits of lower-emission material handling equipment?
The main advantage compared to a product made from iron ore-based steel is the possibility to achieve the same levels of quality, tolerance and material properties as before but with a lower CO₂ footprint in the materials.
Does lower-emission steel affect the performance or durability of hand pallet trucks?
No, it meets the same high-quality standards as traditional steel. It offers the same strength, durability and reliability, ensuring warehouse trucks perform efficiently in demanding environments.
What does ‘cradle-to-gate’ mean?
'Cradle-to-gate' is defined as a life-cycle assessment that evaluates the environmental impact of a product from the extraction of natural resources (the cradle) to the factory gate, excluding the use phase and final disposal of the product.