Sustainable logistics is playing a bigger role in how businesses operate today. By addressing issues like the environment, costs, and social impact, it’s becoming a key part of successful business strategies. As companies focus on these challenges, sustainable logistics helps improve efficiency while also supporting a more sustainable future.
In this article, we will walk you through sustainability in logistics and green transportation.
What is green logistics?
Green logistics is about making the process of moving goods and materials more environmentally friendly. It focuses on reducing the impact that transportation, packaging, and other logistics activities have on the planet.
At its heart, sustainable logistics aims to balance how well operations run with being kind to the environment. It’s not just about getting products from one place to another, but doing it in a way that lowers carbon emissions, saves resources, and benefits society.
For example, green logistics focuses on aspects such as:
- Packaging: Are the materials biodegradable or recyclable?
- Transportation: Are businesses using fuel-efficient or electric vehicles?
- Routes: Are trucks taking the shortest or least congested paths to reduce emissions?
Sustainable logistics: An issue you can’t ignore
Logistics is under growing pressure to become more sustainable. New rules are forcing companies to cut their transport emissions, especially in big markets like the EU. As part of the Paris Agreement, businesses must reduce their carbon emissions by 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, to help meet climate goals.
The global logistics market is set to grow from $261.5 billion to $570.9 billion by 2030. But as businesses grow, so does pollution. Did you know that about 80%-90% of a product’s emissions come from the supply chain? – which is responsible for around 60% of global carbon emissions.
For example, a truck that drives 120,000 miles per year releases 223 tons of CO2. There are currently over 6.2 million trucks in the EU, making up 77% of land freight in the region. This makes it clear that sustainability efforts are urgently needed.
The cost of carbon is expected to rise to $50-$100 per ton by 2030. This means that companies that don’t meet emissions rules could face heavy fines. At the same time, customers are choosing more eco-friendly options.
Read more about logistic trends for 2025
Top 10 sustainable logistics practices
As sustainability becomes essential in business, the logistics industry is adopting greener practices to reduce environmental impact, save costs, and improve efficiency. Here are the top sustainable logistics practices leading the way in 2025:
Optimized route planning
Using technology to plan the shortest, least congested routes reduces fuel use, emissions, and enhances delivery efficiency.
Green warehousing
Energy-efficient warehouses with solar panels, LED lights, and smart systems reduce energy use and environmental impact.
Electric and alternative fuel vehicles
Electric trucks and vans, along with hydrogen fuel and biofuels, help lower emissions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Sustainable packaging
Eco-friendly packaging, such as recyclable or biodegradable materials, reduces waste and improves transport efficiency.
Carbon offsetting
Investing in environmental projects like reforestation helps offset emissions from logistics activities.
Efficient load management
Maximizing vehicle capacity and sharing loads between companies reduces trips and emissions.
Reverse logistics
Handling returns efficiently, recycling, and reusing products reduces waste and supports a circular economy.
Digital transformation
Technologies like IoT, AI, and blockchain improve logistics efficiency, transparency, and reduce waste.
Smart inventory management
Just-in-time inventory means products arrive when they’re needed, which cuts down on extra production, storage costs, and waste, making the supply chain run more smoothly.
Collaborative transport networks
Companies sharing transport resources and coordinating deliveries reduce road congestion, emissions, and boost efficiency.
Also read: How can air freight improve supply chain optimization?
How to implement sustainable logistics
To make logistics more sustainable, businesses need to improve practices throughout the supply chain. Here are some simple strategies to get you started:
- Assess your current logistics: Start by looking at your entire logistics operation to find areas where you can be more eco-friendly. This helps spot areas where you can make improvements.
- Optimize routes: Plan the best routes to reduce unnecessary travel and waiting. This saves fuel, cuts costs, and helps the environment.
- Use renewable energy and tech: Look into using renewable energy, like solar power for warehouses, or invest in technology that makes your operations more efficient.
- Maximize your capacity: Make sure transportation containers are packed full to reduce space. This saves energy and cuts down on costs.
- Go for sustainable packaging: Switch to recyclable or eco-friendly packaging. It reduces waste and meets growing consumer demand for sustainability.
- Integrate your supply chain: Make sure all parts of your logistics operation are working together smoothly. This helps improve overall efficiency and sustainability.
- Choose greener transport options: When possible, use eco-friendly transport, such as electric trucks or biodiesel.
7 benefits of sustainable logistics
Sustainable logistics offers many benefits, not just for the environment, but also for businesses. Let’s take a look at some of the key advantages.
- Lower emissions and energy use: Sustainable logistics focuses on reducing carbon emissions, which helps save energy and cut operational costs.
- Less waste: By aiming to reduce waste, businesses can make their supply chains more efficient and cost-effective in the long run.
- Better brand image: With consumers becoming more aware of environmental issues, companies that adopt green practices can avoid negative publicity and build a stronger, positive brand.
- More reliable supply chains: Sustainable practices can make your supply chain more flexible and reliable, reducing the risk of disruptions and helping operations run smoothly.
- Attract more customers: Many consumers prefer brands that are committed to sustainability. By using sustainable logistics, businesses can attract more customers who care about the environment.
- Promote environmental awareness: Adopting sustainable logistics not only benefits your business but also encourages a culture of environmental responsibility within the company.
- Stay ahead of regulations: As governments introduce stricter environmental regulations, businesses that already have sustainable logistics in place will be better prepared and comply more easily.
Also read: 7 reasons why shipment visibility should be a top priority for your business
Are you ready for sustainable logistics? – Questions to ask yourself
The road to sustainable logistics is clear, with guidelines like European regulations, emissions targets, and compliance deadlines. Achieving success with green fuels, eco-friendly packaging, and strong recycling practices is possible.
But just knowing about these components isn’t enough to build a future-proof system. Logistics companies must bring all these elements together into one solid strategy that makes sustainability part of everyday decisions, operations, and company culture.
To see if your business is on track, ask yourself these questions:
- Does our infrastructure support sustainability?
- Can we improve our network efficiency?
- Do we have tools to measure progress toward our goals?
- What planning tools do we need to upgrade our fleet?
- Do we have a clear transformation plan?
- Who are our technology partners?
Logistics and sustainability: Bertling is here to help
At Bertling, we know that adopting sustainable logistics can be challenging. Whether you're just starting or already on your way, we’re here to support you every step of the journey.
We are committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2030. We aim to reduce CO₂ emissions by at least 5% annually through a three-step approach: measure, reduce, and compensate.
We offer customized services to help you optimize routes, upgrade your fleet, and implement eco-friendly packaging. Our Bertling Ecological Footprint Tracker helps you monitor your environmental impact, while our emission compensation projects neutralize unavoidable emissions.