In the transport industry, the availability of AdBlue is more than a logistical necessity – it’s a critical factor in maintaining operational efficiency and compliance with environmental regulations.

SCR Solutions, part of IXOM, plays a pivotal role in ensuring a steady supply of AdBlue across New Zealand. Bruce Winter, sales manager for SCR, sheds light on the importance of reliable AdBlue supply and the company’s strategies to meet this demand.

With its two manufacturing plants on New Zealand’s North and South Islands, SCR Solutions has been at the forefront of AdBlue production since its inception 16 years ago. AdBlue, a solution used in diesel exhaust after-treatment to reduce emissions, is essential for meeting stringent environmental standards.

“AdBlue is not a complicated product, but the key thing is having really good quality and good quality control around how you manufacture it,” he says.

Winter says the acquisition of SCR Solutions by IXOM two years ago bolstered the company’s capabilities, enabling it to offer a comprehensive range of services. In addition to producing and distributing AdBlue via bulk trucks, SCR provides a full-service solution that includes packaged product, dispensing equipment, installation and the maintenance of bulk tanks.

“We have a full-service solution for our customers, from dispensing equipment to installing and maintaining bulk tanks,” Winter says.

One of SCR’s strategic advantages is its exclusive supply relationship with Ballance, the sole manufacturer of 100% New Zealand-made AdBlue. “In the current environmentally conscious world, carbon footprints are increasingly scrutinised,” Winter says.

“Being able to make the product in New Zealand and avoid importing urea helps us reduce our carbon footprint and ensures a more secure supply.”

This local production capability was particularly valuable during a significant AdBlue shortage a few years ago. “There was a shortage in Australia when China, a major exporter of automotive-grade urea, stopped exports,” Winter says. “This situation highlighted the importance of having local supply points. Our ability to produce AdBlue locally reassures our customers that we are not vulnerable to international supply disruptions.”

SCR’s resilience and reliability are underscored by its multiple supply points across New Zealand, which provide stability and continuity.

“Having that local supply here is good for us to be able to reassure our customer base that we’re not having those shortages. We’ve got multiple supply points, which is really critical in our view, and really gives us some good resilience around supplying the market,” Winter says.

Despite some fluctuations in demand due to economic conditions, the market for AdBlue continues to grow. “We’re still seeing demand for our product increase as more vehicles requiring AdBlue come onto the market,” Winter says.

“Our optimism for continued growth is strong, especially as new vehicles with SCR technology introduce additional demand for AdBlue.”

As the transport industry evolves and more vehicles adopt emissions-reducing technologies, SCR Solutions remains committed to meeting the increasing demand for AdBlue.

Through local production, strategic partnerships and a robust supply network, SCR is well-positioned to support the industry’s needs and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.