What is Green Logistics?

Whitney leaning against a railing on a downtown street

Green logistics involves a company's efforts to reduce emissions, implement more sustainable operational processes, and reduce environmental pollution. In addition, there are various solutions that companies can implement to become more environmentally friendly, ranging from simple to very advanced phased actions. Unfortunately, the environmental problems in the world are getting worse and worse. Therefore, it is now more important than ever for companies to get involved.

How Can Green Logistics Reduce Supply Chain Costs?
An environmentally friendly strategy can allow a company to focus on making a profit while helping the environment. A sustainability approach can help companies have better brand representation and fewer costs. Integrating existing processes and strategies in a way that is more “GREEN” and environmentally friendly can help companies increase efficiency and possibly reduce costs.

What Are the Objectives of Green Logistics?
•        The carbon footprint of logistics operations should be measured to create a starting point for considering sustainability measures and checking their results. One of the most common methods for calculating energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions is the international standard UNE-EN 16258: 2013.
•        Reduce air, soil, water, and noise pollution by analyzing the impact of each logistics area, especially those related to transportation.
•        Use the materials rationally by reusing recyclable containers and recycling the packaging.
•        Eco-logistics, which extends sustainability to the supply chain, is also shaped by the design and packaging of products. Both should be designed in such a way as to minimize their environmental impact.

What Are the Challenges Facing Green Logistics?
Today, the logistics sector, unfortunately, does not include a high degree of sustainability. Companies face significant obstacles in the implementation of environmental policies in the field of logistics. There are a few reasons for this:

1. Dependence on Fossil Fuels, Especially in Transportation
Effective, economically viable solutions have not yet been found to reduce the fuel dependence of the sector on the transport of goods.
2. The Impact of Deliveries on City Traffic
E-commerce deliveries in particular have greatly increased the volume of delivery vehicles in large cities, and many of them operate without carrying a full load when mixed orders are encountered.
3. Lack of Infrastructure
Local governments are in the process of regulating emission limits. However, an inter-sectoral agreement is needed to take measures to build new facilities that meet the wishes of those involved in logistics activities.
4. Businesses That Need to Invest
Whether logistics operations are carried out in-house or outsourced, the corresponding narrow rates and margins do not always allow you to think about investing in infrastructure, process automation, or more efficient transport equipment.
5. Invisibility of Logistics for Consumers
In general, logistics is not sustainable because neither is the customer. October is one more additional problem: logistics for the client is an invisible factor, it continues to grow more and more day by day. When the customer requests, for example, requests 24-hour deliveries that prevent you from consolidating your cargoes or making the most of shipping flows, it is difficult to implement logistics policies.