Sustainability at Scania: how the Combo Project saves emissions and cost
02 DECEMBER 2025
Combo 3, a packaging-optimisation project, is another step towards smarter logistics and reduced environmental impact.
Combo started as a response to material shortages in 2021, and is a global example of The Scania Way in practice: eliminating waste, strengthening circularity and improving efficiency throughout the value chain.
How the Combo packaging works
The key is the development of a consolidated, reinforced metal packaging unit, a modified version of the standard engine-and-gearbox packaging. Instead of shipping components in nine separate wooden boxes, all items are housed in a single structure.
At customer sites, returnable trolleys replace the need for additional packaging during intralogistics. This “de-packing” model minimises waste at every step, from Scania’s production line to assembly plants in different markets.
How it all began
The project originated at Scania Latin America (SLA), where it was fully developed. The solution was designed to efficiently address material shortages and reduce packaging waste. South Africa was the first market to implement it within CKD (Completely Knocked Down) export logistics. The goal was simple yet bold: reduce packaging materials without compromising quality or safety.
Combo 1 (2021): Eliminated individual packaging for three components: radiator, front module and front cab grille, by integrating them into reinforced metal engine packaging.
Combo 2 (2022): Added three more items (battery box, silencer and steering gear), further reducing the need for wooden crates and enabling denser container loading.
Combo 3 (2025): Consolidated packaging for an additional three items (electrical harness, plastic tube and Electronic Control Unit front), totalling nine components now shipped without individual packaging.
This transformation means a load of 18 products now requires 10 containers instead of 11, reducing costs and emissions associated with global sea and land transport. In total, 61 wooden boxes have been eliminated per shipment, saving approximately 4.5 tonnes of material.
Environmental impact: preserving trees, Cutting CO₂
Before the Combo Project started, Scania consumed roughly 756 tonnes of wood annually for CKD packaging, equivalent to 6,800 pine trees. Thanks to the new consolidated approach, these trees remain standing, continuing to absorb carbon rather than being cut down for one-way packaging.
The savings are striking:
136 tonnes of CO₂ absorbed annually by the preserved trees
1,387 tonnes of CO₂ avoided by not incinerating or discarding wooden packaging
A forested area equivalent to six football pitches preserved
The team behind the Combo Project.
Marcio Ferreira, Engineered Packaging & Solutions Specialist, Scania Latin America explains why the Combo Project is a powerful example of how operational excellence that drives sustainability at Scania: “This innovative logistics blueprint transformed a challenge into a solution that simultaneously saves significant cost and protects our planet. By consolidating packaging we live The Scania Way, reduce waste and strengthen our competitiveness globally."
Circularity and innovation
The Combo Project is one of many initiatives that showcase Scania’s commitment to circularity. Other recent achievements include using recycled PET bottles in truck front railings, something that demonstrates that innovation, quality and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
“Innovating with purpose is what drives us. Combo represents how we live the Scania Way: questioning, improving, and always seeking solutions that combine safety, environmental responsibility, quality and competitiveness,” says Leandro Scopetta, Group Manager Packing Engineering, SHE&SPS, Scania Latin America.
A storage rack containing various components.
