How Sustainability and Logistics Thrive Together

The perfect medium between sustainability and management is Green Logistics. It’s the future of the supply chain—because it calls for corporate responsibility. Companies are now held to social and moral standards for how they assemble logistics in relation to being environmentally conscious and as we know, positive implementations mean companies retain favor in the sight of the public.

In 2019, sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from ships coming through European ports amounted to around 1.63 million tons. This number sprouted the attention of consumers and other businesses alike and put emissions and protecting the climate at the forefront.

So, what do we do?

Well, small things compound to large chain reactions. Changing the logistics of sustainability is a slow process initially, but it expedites. A perfect starting point is adjusting modes of transport to minimize fuel usage and maximize efficient route mapping. Supply chains would do well to also consider cutting down their travel distances to reduce gas emissions and fuel costs through route optimization, a strategy that cuts resources and time at all stages of fulfillment, from genesis to completion.

Many companies are implementing changes and policies that align with reducing their carbon footprint. Delta Airlines spent more than $30 million dollars to offset its inability to completely decarbonize. The firm committed to combating climate change and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050 and promised to purchase 70 million gallons of sustainable fuel per year. Now while impressive, any business can pledge to do the same adjusted for the respective industry by digitizing its internal communications, utilizing automation tools, updating route strategies, and using smart software. 

Upgrading your logistics to more sustainable practices ensures...

• Cutting Costs—reducing waste reduces costs. Investing in energy-efficient technology may be a large forward investment but in the long run, it can save you money with lower production costs and avoiding environmental violations.
• Winning Customers—staying ahead of the competition means showing consumers and the world that you do care. The firm is cognizant of the disastrous effects supply chains can have on the environment but is still setting in place regulations to minimize impact.
• Forging the Future—set the stage as a leader. Distinguished retailers are looking for suppliers and manufacturers that will expedite their goals of having a reputation as an eco-friendly brand.
• Avoiding Fees—many countries have standards when it comes to environmental sustainability and failing to adhere to criteria can tarnish reputation and build up fines that make being unsustainable a burden.

Reducing the footprint takes place when there are small changes made across all channels of exports and imports. By logistically arranging for reductions and invoking investments in new equipment or modalities, you can slice your impact in CO2 emissions, noise pollution, toxic waste, and loss of biodiversity among many other catastrophes. Being rigorous and shaping the future comes at the cost of being more attentive to the needs of the world and listening to the quiet concerns of your consumers.

Reach out to our team today to discuss a personalized plan for how logistics and sustainability could work together to construct a better business model that has longevity for production and vitality for the planet.