Who Gives A Crap launches electric courier services

Who Gives A Crap partners with electric delivery startup HIVED

Who Gives A Crap has partnered with HIVED to deliver roughly a quarter of its UK orders using electric vehicles and cargo bikes. The collaboration covers Greater London, Bristol, Bath, Bournemouth, Plymouth, and Southampton. Each delivery through HIVED’s network cuts carbon emissions by up to 76% compared to standard diesel vans.

This marks another step in the toilet paper brand’s efforts to reduce emissions across its entire supply chain. HIVED operates the UK’s only fully electric parcel delivery network for online retail. The startup uses artificial intelligence to plan routes and delivers exclusively via electric vehicles and e-cargo bikes.

For businesses watching the growth of zero-emission logistics, this partnership offers a useful case study. It combines proven reliability with measurable carbon savings. HIVED maintains a delivery success rate above 99% while cutting approximately 140 grams of CO₂ per parcel.

HIVED now handles 25% of UK deliveries for the brand

The HIVED fleet currently handles around 25% of Who Gives A Crap’s UK customer orders. Coverage extends across six major urban areas in southern England. Deliveries operate seven days a week with same-day, next-day, and two-day service options available.

HIVED was founded in 2021 by Murvah Iqbal and Mathias Krieger. The company raised $42 million in Series B funding led by NordicNinja to expand its electric fleet and technology platform. Other clients include ASOS, Zara, Nespresso, and Uniqlo across London.

The startup’s technology platform uses route optimisation to maximise vehicle efficiency. Electric vans and cargo bikes handle different parcel sizes and delivery distances. This approach allows HIVED to maintain tight delivery windows while keeping the entire fleet emission-free.

Who Gives A Crap manufactures toilet paper from 100% recycled paper or bamboo. The brand has invested in sustainable logistics for several years. In March 2024, it launched a partnership with Packfleet to deliver carbon-neutral products within London’s M25 motorway.

That earlier collaboration saved 54,500 kilograms of CO₂ across 9 million toilet rolls delivered. The HIVED partnership extends this approach to a wider geographic area. It also demonstrates growing commercial availability of electric delivery services beyond central London.

Electric deliveries cut emissions by 76% per parcel

Each HIVED delivery saves approximately 140 grams of CO₂ compared to diesel vans. This translates to a 76% reduction in delivery emissions per parcel. For a business shipping thousands of orders monthly, these savings accumulate quickly.

The carbon reduction comes from eliminating tailpipe emissions during the final delivery stage. Electric vehicles produce zero direct emissions when driving. However, the total environmental impact depends on how the electricity is generated. HIVED has not published detailed information about its energy sourcing.

Who Gives A Crap also works with Pachama to ensure its shipping remains carbon neutral. The brand uses renewable energy across other parts of its supply chain. Combining electric delivery with these existing measures creates a more comprehensive low-carbon approach.

The 99% on-time delivery rate matters because reliability has historically been a barrier to electric logistics adoption. Many businesses worry that switching to electric vehicles will compromise service levels. HIVED’s performance suggests this trade-off is not inevitable.

Electric cargo bikes handle shorter urban routes where parking and congestion create challenges for larger vehicles. Electric vans cover longer distances and carry heavier loads. This mixed fleet model allows the company to match vehicle type to delivery requirements.

The brand has tested electric freight in Australia

In March 2026, Who Gives A Crap completed what it described as Australia’s first end-to-end electric heavy freight delivery. The shipment travelled 460 kilometres from Sydney to Canberra using Windrose electric prime movers and ANC’s electric last-mile fleet.

That trial demonstrated the technical feasibility of long-distance electric freight for consumer goods. Australia’s distances and infrastructure present different challenges compared to the UK. Nevertheless, the test showed the brand’s willingness to experiment with emerging logistics technologies.

The Australian trial and UK partnership follow a similar pattern. Both involve working with specialist providers who have invested in electric vehicle fleets and supporting technology. Both focus on measurable emissions reductions rather than broad sustainability claims.

This approach reflects a commercial reality for UK businesses exploring low-carbon logistics. Few companies have the capital or expertise to build their own electric delivery fleets. Partnerships with specialist providers offer a more practical route to reducing supply chain emissions.

Electric logistics become more commercially viable for UK businesses

HIVED’s ability to serve major retail brands suggests electric delivery has moved beyond niche applications. Companies like ASOS and Zara operate at significant scale. Their use of HIVED indicates the service can handle substantial order volumes reliably.

For small and medium businesses, this creates new opportunities. Electric delivery was previously limited to brands with resources to develop bespoke solutions. As specialist providers expand their coverage areas, more businesses can access zero-emission logistics without major capital investment.

The geographic coverage matters particularly for online retailers. Greater London represents the largest concentration of UK consumers. Adding Bristol, Bath, and south coast cities extends the potential customer base that can be reached via electric delivery.

Public sector suppliers should note these developments. Procurement Policy Note 06/21 requires suppliers bidding for central government contracts above £5 million to publish carbon reduction plans. Demonstrating low-carbon logistics can strengthen tender responses. Our net-zero program for carbon reporting compliance helps businesses document these emissions reductions.

Private sector supply chains are also changing. Larger customers increasingly ask suppliers about their carbon footprint. Being able to quantify delivery emissions and show reduction efforts provides concrete evidence of environmental performance.

What this means for supply chain decarbonisation

Delivery emissions typically fall under Scope 3 in carbon accounting. These are indirect emissions from activities outside a company’s direct control. Scope 3 emissions are often the largest component of a business’s total carbon footprint.

Measuring and reducing Scope 3 emissions presents practical challenges. Companies must gather data from multiple suppliers and logistics providers. Electric delivery partnerships offer a relatively straightforward way to cut a specific category of these emissions.

The 140-gram saving per parcel provides a clear metric. Businesses can multiply this figure by their annual delivery volumes to estimate total emissions reductions. This makes it easier to track progress against carbon reduction targets.

However, switching to electric delivery alone will not achieve net zero. It addresses one part of the supply chain. Businesses still need to consider emissions from manufacturing, warehousing, and other transport stages. A comprehensive approach requires examining the entire value chain.

Cost comparisons between electric and diesel delivery vary by circumstances. Electric vehicles have higher upfront costs but lower fuel and maintenance expenses. For businesses evaluating providers, the total service cost matters more than the vehicle technology.

HIVED has not published public pricing information. This makes direct cost comparison difficult. Nevertheless, the company’s ability to attract major retail clients suggests its pricing is commercially competitive. Businesses should request quotes and compare the total package of service, reliability, and emissions reduction.

Urban delivery infrastructure continues to develop

Electric vehicle charging infrastructure has expanded significantly across UK cities in recent years. This makes electric delivery more practical in urban areas. However, coverage remains patchy in rural regions.

HIVED’s current operating areas reflect this infrastructure reality. All six covered locations are cities or large towns in southern England. Extending electric delivery to smaller towns and rural areas will require further charging network investment.

Cargo bikes offer particular advantages in congested city centres. They can access cycle lanes and pedestrian areas where vans face restrictions. Several UK cities have introduced low emission zones that charge diesel vehicles. Electric cargo bikes avoid these charges entirely.

The technology for route optimisation has improved substantially. Artificial intelligence can now process multiple variables including delivery windows, vehicle capacity, charging requirements, and traffic conditions. This makes electric fleet management more efficient than manual planning.

Battery technology continues to advance. Modern electric vans offer ranges exceeding 200 miles on a single charge. This covers most urban delivery routes comfortably. Cold weather reduces range, but fleet operators have learned to account for seasonal variations.

Key facts about the HIVED partnership

• HIVED now delivers approximately 25% of Who Gives A Crap’s UK orders using only electric vehicles and cargo bikes.
• The service covers Greater London, Bristol, Bath, Bournemouth, Plymouth, and Southampton with seven-day operation.
• Each delivery cuts CO₂ emissions by up to 76% compared to diesel vans, saving roughly 140 grams per parcel.
• HIVED maintains a delivery success rate above 99% across same-day, next-day, and two-day services.
• The company raised $42 million in Series B funding to expand its electric fleet and AI-powered logistics platform.
• Other HIVED clients include ASOS, Zara, Nespresso, and Uniqlo, demonstrating the service works at retail scale.
• Who Gives A Crap previously partnered with Packfleet to deliver 9 million carbon-neutral toilet rolls within London’s M25.

Practical considerations for businesses exploring electric delivery

Businesses considering electric delivery should start by mapping their current delivery footprint. Where do most orders go? Which areas generate the highest delivery volumes? This analysis shows whether available electric delivery services match your customer locations.

Request detailed emissions data from potential providers. The 76% reduction figure is useful, but businesses need to understand the baseline comparison. What type of diesel vehicle is the comparison based on? How were the calculations made? Specific data strengthens carbon reporting.

Consider how electric delivery fits into broader sustainability commitments. If your business has published carbon reduction targets, quantify how switching delivery providers contributes to those goals. This makes the business case clearer internally.

Test the service with a portion of deliveries before committing fully. Who Gives A Crap allocated 25% of UK orders to HIVED rather than switching everything immediately. This phased approach lets you verify service quality and customer satisfaction.

Check compatibility with your existing systems. Electric delivery providers need to integrate with your e-commerce platform and order management software. Technical integration problems can undermine operational efficiency.

Think about customer communication. Some customers value sustainable delivery options and will appreciate knowing their order arrived via electric vehicle. Others prioritise speed and cost above environmental factors. Understanding your customer base helps determine how to position this choice.

For businesses in manufacturing or distribution, consider the entire logistics chain. Electric delivery works well for the final mile to consumers. However, moving goods from factories to warehouses often requires different solutions. The sustainable procurement support we provide helps businesses evaluate suppliers across multiple environmental criteria.

Regulatory and market drivers for low-carbon logistics

Several UK cities have introduced Clean Air Zones charging diesel vehicles to enter central areas. These zones create direct financial incentives for electric delivery. London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone is the most extensive, but Birmingham, Bath, and Portsmouth also operate similar schemes.

The government’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan sets out how the UK will decarbonise the entire transport system. This includes phasing out new diesel and petrol vehicle sales. While the current target focuses on cars, similar restrictions on commercial vehicles are likely to follow.

Large retailers increasingly set carbon reduction requirements for their suppliers. These requirements often include logistics and delivery emissions. Suppliers who can demonstrate low-carbon delivery methods gain competitive advantage in tender processes.

Consumer attitudes are shifting gradually. Research shows growing numbers of online shoppers consider environmental impact when choosing retailers. However, price and delivery speed still dominate most purchasing decisions. Electric delivery works best when it matches or improves on these core factors.

Insurance and finance sectors are beginning to price climate risk into their products. Companies with lower emissions profiles may eventually access better insurance rates and financing terms. This remains an emerging trend rather than established practice.

Where to find further information

The government’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan provides the policy framework for reducing transport emissions across all sectors.

The Procurement Policy Note 06/21 sets out carbon reduction plan requirements for government suppliers and explains what documentation contracting authorities expect.

For businesses measuring their carbon footprint, the greenhouse gas reporting conversion factors published annually by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero provide standardised emissions calculations.

The Freight Transport Association, now called Logistics UK, offers guidance on sustainable logistics and fleet decarbonisation for businesses operating their own vehicles.

Companies can learn more about environmental reporting requirements and carbon accounting through our compliance services, which help businesses understand their obligations and document their progress towards carbon reduction targets.