As we approach Earth Day, it's timely to reflect on how all of us in the eCommerce industry can contribute to a better future. The good news is that sustainable delivery practices are not just great for the planet, they also boost most retailers’ bottom lines in today's environmentally conscious market.
In this article, we'll explore what sustainable delivery entails, why it’s important, what customers care about and practical strategies you can use to reduce emissions and improve your green credentials.
What is sustainable delivery?
Sustainable delivery is the practice of minimising the environmental impact of sending products. It can include steps to reduce carbon emissions and waste, as well as the use of sustainable packaging. Alongside product repair and re-commerce initiatives, it’s one of the biggest things retailers can do to become more sustainable.
Why does building a sustainable delivery process matter?
Sustainable delivery isn’t some kind of greenwashing initiative. There are several reasons brands should adopt sustainable delivery practices:
- Reduce their environmental impact. The logistics sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable practices help reduce these emissions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
- Improve regulatory compliance. Governments are increasingly implementing regulations to reduce emissions. Adopting sustainable logistics ensures compliance with these guidelines, avoiding potential penalties.
- Meet growing customer demand. Consumers are more likely to support brands that prioritise sustainability. For example, McKinsey found that more than 60 percent of consumers would pay more for a product with sustainable packaging. Sustainable practices can lead to increased customer loyalty and a competitive edge in the market.
- Improve cost-efficiency. Sustainable practices can result in long-term cost savings through reduced fuel consumption and optimised routes.
In short, adopting sustainable delivery practices improves your brand reputation and boosts your bottom line.
Customer attitudes to sustainable delivery practices
Meeting customer demand for more sustainable business practices is one of the most common reasons brands offer sustainable delivery methods. But is it what customers really want and will they reward brands that take the initiative?
Here’s what the research says:
- Over 80% of British consumers have made changes to be more sustainable, but only 16% believe most brands they shop with enable positive environmental change.
- Younger consumers are spending based on belief and value alignment, not just income.
- Four in 10 UK consumers view deliveries to parcel lockers as more environmentally friendly than traditional home delivery,
- Almost half of shoppers would accept longer delivery times to benefit the environment.
What sustainable delivery methods exist?
Using a sustainable delivery method will have the biggest impact on your store’s emissions. Here are four green delivery methods you could consider:
Electric and zero-emission vehicles
Electric and zero-emission vehicles are a cornerstone of sustainable delivery practices. These vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
These vehicles are becoming increasingly common. Amazon, for example, has committed to using 100,000 electric delivery vehicles by 2030, demonstrating the growing trend towards electric fleets. The lower operating costs of electric vehicles can also make them a cost-effective option in the long run.
E-cargo bikes
E-cargo bikes offer a sustainable alternative for urban deliveries, providing a low-carbon footprint and lower running costs compared to vans. These bikes can navigate through dense city streets more efficiently than cars or trucks, avoiding traffic congestion and reducing emissions. They are particularly effective when used in conjunction with local delivery hubs, allowing for the final leg of delivery to be completed in an environmentally friendly manner.
However, businesses must adapt their practices to accommodate e-cargo bikes, including staff training and infrastructure adjustments. Despite these challenges, e-cargo bikes are gaining traction as a practical solution for sustainable last-mile delivery.
Click and collect
One of the most common final-mile delivery methods is already incredibly sustainable. Click and collect services consolidate deliveries to a single collection point and eliminate hundreds of miles of travel.
This approach reduces the number of individual trips required for product distribution, lowering carbon emissions and easing traffic congestion.
By allowing customers to pick up their orders from a designated location, click and collect minimises the environmental impact associated with missed deliveries and repeat trips. Additionally, this method encourages customers to choose collection points closer to their homes or workplaces, further reducing the transportation-related carbon footprint.
Green delivery slots
There are plenty of ways brands can reduce the emissions from standard delivery methods, too. For example, optimising transportation routes and consolidating shipments can result in your vehicles being on the road for significantly less time.
You can highlight these benefits by offering customers green delivery slots.
By labeling certain delivery times as "green," you can highlight the environmental benefits of choosing those slots, whether that’s the use of fuller vans, reduced miles per vehicle or another way of lowering emissions.
Other sustainable shipping practices
Final mile delivery isn’t the only way to make your shipping process greener. Here are some other strategies you can implement:
Use sustainable packaging
Sustainable packaging is an effective way to reduce waste and minimise environmental impact. It involves using materials that are recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable. For example, Amazon's Frustration-Free Packaging initiative has successfully reduced unnecessary plastic and made packages easier to recycle.
Optimise packaging size
Optimising packaging size is essential for reducing waste and improving logistics efficiency. Right-sizing packaging ensures that materials are used efficiently, reducing shipping costs and improving warehouse efficiency. By minimising packaging, businesses can reduce the volume of waste generated during transportation and storage.
Reduce delivery attempts
Minimising delivery attempts is another key strategy for sustainable shipping. Implementing efficient delivery systems that reduce failed deliveries can lower emissions by minimising repeat trips.
This can be achieved through better communication with customers, offering flexible delivery options and using technology to optimise delivery routes. By reducing the number of delivery attempts, companies can decrease fuel consumption and lower their carbon footprint.
Creating sustainable delivery practices with Pro Carrier
If you want to build a more sustainable delivery practice, Pro Carrier is here to help. We offer a range of solutions to help retail partners lower their emissions. That includes:
- Multiple final-mile delivery options, including click and collect.
- A range of final-mile carriers, many with low or zero-emission services.
- Technology tools, like Horizon, that let you track, analyse and optimise shipping processes to reduce emissions.
For more information on how we can help your eCommerce brand deliver a more sustainable service, get in touch with a member of our team today.