Northern Ireland firm Tobermore has launched a trial of the first ever biomethane fuelled forklift truck in the UK and Ireland.

The paving and walling manufacturer is completing the trials with plans to replace its 60 diesel powered forklifts with biogas trucks.

Tobermore secured the biomethane fuelled forklift thanks to its strong relationship with The Alexander Group and Linde Forklifts. The truck will undertake work on site while gathering essential data associated with carbon reduction and fuel efficiency.

The manufacturer aims to reduce their Scope 1 carbon emissions by exploring alternative, greener fuels. Biogas is renewable, produced locally and is recognised as one of the world's cleanest fuels. This endeavour is another significant step on Tobermore's decarbonisation journey.

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Earlier this year, it was announced that Tobermore and three local businesses, have established a collaborative cluster to transform excess livestock manure and grass silage into biomethane which can be used as fuel.

The vision of the Mid Ulster Carbon Co-operative is to establish a full-scale anaerobic digestion plant that will produce enough biomethane, not just for their own use, but also for injection into the NI gas grid.

David Henderson, Managing Director and owner of Tobermore commented: "Tobermore is delighted to be trialling the nation's first biogas forklift truck of its kind. We have a fleet of over 60 diesel powered forklifts which we aim to phase out in favour of trucks that use more sustainable fuels. In alignment with our anaerobic digestion plans, we will be able to produce biomethane fuel for our forklifts and lorries. We plan to significantly reduce our need for fossil fuels and hasten our journey towards net zero."