DHL pledges €160 million to advance green logistics in France

DHL Group plans to invest around €160 million in France between 2026 and 2027, reinforcing its commitment to one of its largest European markets and supporting the country’s logistics infrastructure, supply chains, and clean-energy transition.

The new investment will bring DHL Group’s total investment in France to nearly €900 million over the 2018-2027 period, underscoring the company’s long-term strategy to strengthen France’s role as a key European logistics hub.

The announcement was made on the sidelines of the ninth edition of the Choose France Summit, which promotes France as a destination for international investment.

Expanding logistics infrastructure:

The investment program will focus on increasing logistics capacity, upgrading operational infrastructure, and enhancing supply-chain resilience across DHL’s business units in France.

DHL Express will direct investments toward fleet modernization, electrification, charging infrastructure, operational equipment, and continued network expansion. Since 2018, the division has completed 20 real estate projects, including the opening of the Paris Charles de Gaulle Hub in 2021 and the Lyon-Saint Exupéry Gateway in 2025.

DHL Global Forwarding plans to expand the use of alternative-fuel vehicles while upgrading handling equipment and warehouse infrastructure to reduce the environmental footprint of its operations.

DHL Freight will continue investing in alternative-fuel vehicles and logistics facilities. The division has completed six real estate projects since 2018 and plans to deliver six additional projects by 2030.

DHL Supply Chain will expand its network of advanced warehouse facilities in key locations including southern Paris, Orléans, and Lyon to meet growing demand for third-party logistics services across life sciences, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and e-commerce sectors. The division will also strengthen its fourth-party logistics capabilities through its Toulouse control tower.

Accelerating decarbonization efforts:

A significant portion of the €160 million investment will support DHL Group’s sustainability agenda and its target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from logistics activities by 2050.

Key initiatives include expanding electric vehicle fleets and charging infrastructure, increasing the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), deploying solar-energy solutions across logistics sites, transitioning heavy vehicles to lower-carbon fuels such as biodiesel, and continuing the electrification of warehouse equipment and energy-efficient building technologies.

Supporting growth in strategic sectors:

DHL is expanding its presence in high-growth sectors including life sciences and healthcare, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing, while continuing to scale services for small and medium-sized enterprises and e-commerce customers.

Recent developments include new partnerships and contracts in pharmaceutical and industrial markets, as well as the expansion of fulfillment and specialized logistics solutions.

Long-term commitment:

“France is a vital logistics hub at the heart of Europe and a key market for DHL Group,” said Tobias Meyer, CEO of DHL Group. “With this investment, we are strengthening our infrastructure, growing our capabilities, and accelerating our transition toward low-emissions logistics.”

Present in France since 1976, DHL said the latest investment plan reflects its continued commitment to supporting regional development, enabling international trade, strengthening supply-chain resilience, and enhancing the competitiveness of the French economy.