Zain 'first telecom operator in Kuwait to adopt DHL's GoGreen Plus service'

28/05/2025 02:21 AST

Zain announced the signing of a strategic partnership agreement with global logistics leader DHL to adopt the eco-friendly GoGreen Plus service, becoming the first telecom operator in Kuwait to implement this solution aimed at reducing carbon emissions from air freight through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The signing took place at the Zain Innovation Center (ZINC) at the company's headquarters in Shuwaikh, joined by Waleed Al-Khashti, Chief Corporate Affairs and Relations Officer at Zain Kuwait; Makram Raad, Country Manager of DHL Kuwait; and senior executives from both partners.

This step aligns with Zain's corporate sustainability strategy and marks a new milestone in the company's journey toward decarbonizing its operations and supply chain. It also supports the company's commitment to the Paris Agreement and Zain's plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Commenting on the partnership, Waleed Al-Khashti said: "At Zain, we believe the transition to a green economy starts not only internally but also across our partner ecosystem and supply chain. That's why our partnership with DHL to adopt the GoGreen Plus service reflects a model that embodies this direction."

He added: "This step enables us to reduce carbon emissions from our air freight shipments and enhances our ability to meet our environmental commitments under our corporate sustainability strategy. We are proud to lead the local telecom market toward achieving sustainable development goals and to continue reinforcing our role as a regionally responsible and environmentally conscious organization."

Makram Raad, Country Manager of DHL Kuwait, commented: "Through this agreement between Zain and DHL, both parties reaffirm their commitment to the local Kuwaiti community by continuing to decarbonize supply chains in pursuit of cleaner operations and better climate protection. It also strengthens both sides' positions in promoting awareness and embracing the responsibilities that all key players must uphold to achieve sustainability strategy goals."

DHL's GoGreen Plus service provides a sustainable alternative by using SAF produced from renewable sources such as used cooking oil or plant waste. SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80 percent compared to conventional jet fuel. The service is based on the Book & Claim methodology, which allows DHL to separate the environmental benefit from the actual shipping location, enabling companies to benefit from SAF use anywhere in the world. Through this partnership, Zain will be able to reduce its Scope 3 carbon footprint associated with air freight emissions, further supporting the company's ability to accurately report its carbon emissions and meet its environmental goals.

This initiative builds on several recent actions by Zain to increase the use of clean energy, including installing solar panels at its headquarters to replace conventional car park shading, implementing the region's first comprehensive Scope 3 supply chain monitoring system, and deploying artificial intelligence solutions to optimize network energy efficiency. In its 14th Annual Sustainability Report, Zain Group reaffirmed its deep commitment to environmental protection and climate action as a core pillar of its five-year strategy. In 2024, the Group secured approval from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its climate goals.

Zain also adopted the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol to calculate emissions and aligned its emission factors with the International Energy Agency (IEA) standards to ensure consistency across its markets. It implemented a market-specific water management plan, achieving a 5.89 percent reduction in water consumption compared to the previous year, and maintained its commitment to voluntary disclosures under global standards such as GRI, SASB, and TCFD. Zain further reinforced its commitment to nature and biodiversity conservation through its ongoing participation in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and by expanding sustainability across its value chain, including supplier training in ethical business practices and environmental compliance.

The company has also adopted a rigorous supply chain governance approach to ensure its partners align with Zain's values and are assessed against sustainability criteria. These initiatives reflect Zain's roadmap toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and reaffirm its leadership in climate action and environmental responsibility within the regional telecom sector. This partnership also aligns with DHL's roadmap to use 30 percent SAF in its air network by 2030, as part of its broader strategy to transition to clean operations for climate protection, which includes electric fleets and green logistics services.

Kuwait Times