Carbon dioxide (CO2) in our atmosphere has reached an alarming level, and while there are many documented reasons for this, it is likely that the growth of e-commerce has contributed to environmental degradation. Sustainable logistics aims to reduce the environmental threat from industrial and commercial activity, transforming the way the supply chain serves customers around the world.
What is sustainable logistics?
Green or sustainable logistics is the set of sustainable measures and policies that aim to reduce the harmful impact on the environment derived from the logistics sector. It tries to implement or modify certain strategies in the processes of the supply chain to make it more ecologically respectful, without losing sight of the balance between environmental preservation and the economic growth of the company.
Today, the adoption of ecological alternatives in processes, infrastructures and logistics systems is not only necessary but also highly valued by consumers who demand social responsibility in the management of any company.
Main objectives
Measure the carbon footprint of logistics operations. Based on this information, measures are decided to control and improve the sustainability of these processes.
Reduce all types of pollution (air, land, water and noise), analyzing each of the logistics areas and the impact that their activities have on the environment (especially the transport of goods and their CO2 emissions).
Guarantee a rational and sustainable use of supplies, reusing containers and recycling packaging. Also, proper waste disposal is important.
Implement strategies and optimize the supply chain, from product design and packaging to transportation routes.
Elements of sustainable logistics
Packaging or sustainable packaging
It is important to analyze the materials used during the packing and packaging process, exchanging them if necessary for more environmentally friendly resources.
sustainable storage
Sustainable storage consists of implementing an infrastructure where merchandise movements are expedited in a faster and easier way than in conventional logistics. It is achieved with simple actions, from the use of sustainable construction materials, the use of solar panels, the maximization of the use of natural light, among others.
loading and unloading
In this aspect, the action should focus on the replacement of obsolete machinery and the investment in new machinery that streamlines the management actions of the company.
green transport
Transport is one of the first aspects that we must begin to change, with the use of vehicles or means that reduce the levels of CO2 expelled into the atmosphere. This section would also include other tools such as the optimization of routes, the reduction of time and vehicles on the road or the greater use of free spaces in transport vehicles.
green distribution
In a green distribution, several aspects must be considered, both in the companies' focus when it comes to optimizing supply chain processes, such as the valuation of fuel spending and the CO2 emissions associated with said spending.
waste recycling
The collection of waste that is generated during production and distribution is important in order to reuse what can be at the beginning of the new production process. This process is of great importance, since if it is not carried out, it will not make much sense to achieve the other sustainability actions in the production process.
Benefits
The following are some of the advantages of incorporating solutions and policies based on green or sustainable logistics in companies:
- By contributing to the protection of the environment, they are not only fulfilling their social responsibility, but they can distinguish themselves from their competition.
- The ecological damage produced by the company will be reduced and costs will be reduced by implementing reuse and recycling.
- Recycled products can make way for a new business.
- A sustainable logistics company can improve its image towards potential clients and foster loyalty towards current ones.
- And the greatest benefit will be the preservation of the environment, the contribution to our quality of life in the future and the encouragement of small individual actions that, together, can make a big difference.