Planting Trees for Every 10th All-Electric Delivery

Background on the Partnership with DPD

In 2021, Treeapp and DPD teamed up with a shared goal: to make a positive mark on our planet. The mission of this partnership was clear—to embed sustainability into DPD’s operations by planting a tree for every ten tracked electric vehicle deliveries made through the DPD app. This initiative has blossomed into a whopping 250,000+ trees planted all across the world by July 2024.

Objective: Sustainability Commitment and Tree Planting Integration

DPD’s dedication to sustainability isn’t just a tagline; it’s part of their operating model.

Their deliberate choice of Treeapp as a partner is grounded in our unique approach, which guarantees that reforestation initiatives have a direct and positive impact on local communities, with contracts securing long-term land ownership. This, coupled with our meticulous selection of native species and the continuous care and maintenance of our planting sites, has yielded remarkable results. Based on a survey conducted in 2023, on average across the majority of our planting sites, over 80% of the trees planted have matured into effective carbon stores - with an impressive 92% maturity rate in Indonesia.

Another reason for choosing Treeapp lies in our stringent rules towards massive tree plantations and focus on diverse species planting techniques. This unique approach ensures the trees go beyond capturing carbon; they actively contribute to fighting drought, stabilising soil, and enhancing biodiversity—making a tangible difference in ecosystem restoration.

The In-Person Tree Planting Experience

November 2023: Team DPD planting trees in Northampton

As part of its tree planting efforts in the UK, the Treeapp team occasionally invites corporate partners to participate in tree planting during the planting season, which typically runs from late November to March (though it may extend slightly longer in Scotland). Treeapp manages numerous planting sites across England, Wales, and Scotland, where they plant new trees and monitor those planted in previous seasons. To ensure that all trees are planted correctly and adequately protected, foresters supervise the planting process and, once all visitors have left, conduct a final inspection of the planted trees.

Olly Craughan, Head of Sustainability at DPD, along with his team and representatives from other companies, spent a full day planting native trees at Hideaway Wood Farm — a former landfill now transformed into a thriving ecosystem. During the event, Olly emphasised DPD’s dedication to achieving net-zero emissions and the role of their Eco Fund in driving environmental projects.

As Olly told the Treeapp team, “It’s not just about planting trees; it’s about actively contributing to habitat restoration.”

Results: Making a Difference Across Continents

The collaborative efforts between Treeapp and DPD are truly inspiring. DPD has achieved the milestone of planting over 250,000+ trees in just 3 years. Their planting strategy is strategically designed to generate positive environmental effects. From Indonesia’s coral reefs to Tanzania’s biodiversity hotspots to areas in the UK with low woodland cover, each tree contributes to a story of global impact.

An example of a highly successful planting project that emerged from this partnership is the coastal afforestation initiative on Lombok Island, Indonesia. DPD provided vital funding for extensive mangrove planting efforts, focusing on the large-scale planting of various local species to combat soil erosion. This initiative has been instrumental in restoring the island’s coastal ecosystems.

A key highlight of the project was its educational outreach, which involved collaborating with five local schools to teach children about the importance of protecting coastal areas. This focus on educating future generations has fostered a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship within the community. As a result, the project has not only revitalised local fisheries and coral reefs but also delivered significant benefits to both the environment and the local population.

“DPD is an exceptional supporter of our planting activities. With the hands-on efforts of their team and their strong commitment to tree planting as part of their delivery process, we’ve successfully planted over 150 acres of diverse tree species worldwide. We look forward to reaching the 1 million trees milestone".

- Godefroy Harito, Co-Founder of Treeapp

As DPD and Treeapp continue their journey together, their shared commitment to sustainability is leaving a lasting legacy. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about crafting a healthier, more sustainable planet. DPD’s dedication to sustainability isn’t confined to their operations; it’s a practical contribution to positive environmental change.

March 2023: DPD team planting trees in Northampton