What was only of minor importance a few years ago is now becoming more and more of a focus in e-commerce: sustainable logistics. The climate-friendly management, storage and dispatch of parcels is no longer just an option - it is becoming a must day by day.
No wonder: In 2021, 4.5 billion parcels were shipped in Germany alone. That's 83% more than in 2011... For the CEP service providers, these figures are of course pleasing. For the environment and the climate, however, less so. Clearly, more parcels mean more pollutant emissions. Ergo, the 1.5 degree target becomes even more distant - and global warming becomes even more threatening.
While the customer used to prefer free shipping and fast deliveries, things are different today: In fact, in a representative population survey, 86% of respondents said they would opt for green shipping. Also according to another study, 63% expected CO2-neutral delivery.
CO2 emissions may be on the rise, but customers' requirements are also undergoing a shift. Isn't that the perfect opportunity to take a closer look at sustainable logistics?
What is sustainable logistics?
Logistics is the crucial sector for global trade in particular: it links industry and commerce across national borders and is responsible for storing and transporting materials and delivering finished products.
Unlike sustainable delivery, for example, which we offer, sustainable logistics refers to several processes and areas. The quintessence of sustainable logistics is, simply put, the resource-conserving use at all levels.
So far, so good - right? Not quite. Because precisely because logistics plays such an elementary role, it has an immense impact on the environment. Moreover, logistics in itself is not ecological, as proLogistik also backs up with figures: 20% of CO2 emissions in the EU are attributable to it. And the biggest challenge: the numbers threaten to rise - just like the consumption of our customers.
This is precisely where sustainable logistics comes in: It does not "only" refer to individual components of the entire product cycle, but to all the processes involved. From transport to warehousing, provisioning, procurement to inner-city logistics and distribution of goods.
Why sustainable logistics?
The main reason is obvious: climate change. Just as we need private individuals to use bicycles instead of cars, we need the logistics industry to act (greener). And that's exactly what there are countless opportunities for - which also can't be implemented all at once, but rather step by step:
For example, modern lighting technologies can reduce energy and CO2 consumption in the warehouse by around 90%. Intelligent warehouse partitioning, efficient load monitoring and geothermal heating also play their part in sustainable logistics. The same goes for underfloor heating: Did you know that it requires only 25% of the energy consumed by conventional heating?
Another reason for sustainable logistics are, as already mentioned, the requirements of your customers. The logistics industry is changing - and on the right track! Customers still value fast deliveries, low-cost shipping, etc. On the other hand, according to the research company Spectos, one in two is willing to pay €2 for a sustainable delivery, and one in four would even pay €5.
However, sustainable logistics is not only beneficial for end consumers, but also for B2B partners. Often, working with sustainable companies boosts prestige - a desirable side effect that perfectly complements the reduction of CO2 emissions.
How sustainable do customers want it to be?
On the one hand, it is fortunately becoming apparent that sustainable logistics is becoming more important to customers. According to a survey by Green Credits, sustainability is a high priority for 90% of online shoppers.
Meanwhile, just as important: More and more people want to know where their products were made, what conditions prevail there, and whether they can wear the clothing with a clear conscience. A study from Forbes shows that 88% of consumers surveyed are more likely to remain loyal to a brand that is ecologically responsible.
At the same time, however, they do not want to do without convenient delivery to the front door. 83% of those surveyed by Spectos prefer personal delivery, which they do not have to walk to the nearest Packstation to accept.
Free return shipping of returns is also still important for 93% of respondents. The crux: This is not necessarily the most sustainable solution... So while customers have high demands on deliveries, there is still room for improvement in terms of willingness to pay. So one of the challenges in introducing sustainable logistics is: Combining customer convenience with sustainability.
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What can you do?
First: Yes, there are many things that can be done. However, implementing all of them is like a mammoth task. That's why it's perfectly fine to gradually get to grips with sustainable logistics. You can safely put aside the fear of not being perfect. The fact that you're dealing with sustainability at all will please your customers.
Nevertheless, you have to start somewhere, of course. A good start: transparency. Especially when it comes to sustainable logistics, greenwashing accusations can quickly become loud. If you haven't already done so, the first step is to find out how high your emissions currently are - and then set yourself a realistic target for how much you want to reduce them. The best way to do this is with emissions monitoring, which involves systems that record how many pollutants are produced in logistics.
Once you have this data, you can (and should) publish it. On the one hand, this signals that you are serious and, on the other hand, you can motivate yourself to reduce the numbers in the future.
Good for the climate, good for your company
Then it's time to get down to business. One important factor that we have already covered in this blog article is sustainability in the supply chain. This is about making the transport of a product from its starting point to its destination as environmentally friendly as possible.
Here, too, there are countless ways to reduce your carbon footprint. For example, you can make sure that certain standards are met in the countries of origin, that no harmful substances are used, and that the workers are paid appropriately.
Not only in the supply chain, but also in general, the use of modern heating and cooling technologies is recommended. For example, underfloor heating, solar modules on the roofs of the buildings or comprehensive thermal insulation enable your company to sustainably reduce costs AND operate in a more environmentally friendly manner. Isn't that a win-win situation?
Another approach to protecting nature and saving costs is the intelligent division of your warehouse: If you divide it into several areas that differ in frequency of use, the entire warehouse does not always have to be illuminated - and areas that are used less frequently can be equipped with motion detectors. Efficient warehouse management software, stand-by operation and paperless picking are also indispensable for sustainable logistics.
Is sustainable logistics the future?
You may have guessed it already: We didn't want to miss the opportunity to start this last paragraph with a rhetorical question. Because yes, sustainable logistics MUST be the future. Just by looking at how hot this year's summer has been, it must be clear: We have to act.
But it is not only climate change that is driving us in the direction of sustainable logistics. The fact that companies will only remain competitive in the future if they make an effort in terms of sustainability cannot be ignored either. In addition, the economic aspect also plays a very important role: because climate protection also goes hand in hand with a saving of resources, which makes business more efficient and more favorable for your customers in the long term.
The only challenge you have to face now is to get started! Sure, it's hard to get started. But the whole thing will be easier for you, too, if you seek help. For example, you can start by optimizing the last mile with Delivery Green. We deliver emission-free and pay attention to the new needs of our customers by offering next-day deliveries, deliveries to the doorstep, etc.
But in all honesty, it doesn't matter how or where you start. The fact that you are interested in sustainable logistics alone shows that you are on the right track: You're on the right track.
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