How Can Delivery Become More Sustainable?

In our consumerism-obsessed society, our insatiable appetite for goods and services is having a detrimental effect on the planet.

In particular, the perpetual need for products to be transported across the globe is intensifying the impacts of global warming, with harmful greenhouse gases often being used to fuel the ships, planes and lorries that zig zag around the world every day.

With rising concerns around the state of the environment, businesses are looking for ways to make delivery services more efficient and more sustainable.

With one report finding that global shipping alone emits 1 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide every single year, there is clear room for improvement.

From sole traders to global conglomerates, everyone is able to take positive steps towards cleaning up the delivery process, no matter how large or small.

In this post, we’ll highlight three ways companies can adopt a greener approach to delivery, to help cut emissions and create a healthier environment for us all.

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Eco-friendly vehicles

Everyone is aware of the damage that fossil fuel-powered vehicles are having on our environment. Traditional cars, lorries and ships have long been relied upon by the industry, but now it’s more important than ever to find greener options to limit the environmental impacts.

From e-bikes to electric vehicles, there are so many alternatives now available for delivery companies looking to implement more sustainable policies and play their part in decarbonising the transport industry.

When diversifying your fleet, you will have to consider any additional equipment or facilities that may be required to ensure you can run them effectively.

For instance, if you’re investing in bikes or e-bikes for your fleet, be sure to have safe storage facilities on-site. Similarly, if electric cars are part of your future plans, you’ll need to buy the necessary charging equipment to ensure you’re never caught short on a delivery.

Packaging

Packaging is another essential part of any delivery service, and it’s also key to improving your sustainability measures.

There are so many different ways you can make your packaging more sustainable, without having to fork out for costly innovations – simple solutions can often be the most effective.

For example, using recycled packaging can go a long way to reducing both your carbon footprint, and the amount of waste you’re sending to landfill.

Cardboard is one of the most common examples, but recycled plastic is also popular amongst delivery companies. You should also consider using less material and smaller packaging, to reduce your waste in the first place.

Offer flexible delivery options

In North America alone, there are over 1 billion missed delivery attempts made every year. Reports suggest that this equates to 3,742 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere, which could be saved were the deliveries completed first time.

On top of the environmental impacts, missed deliveries can have a financial impact on your business, with wasted time and resources both costing you money.

In this way, it’s important that you’re able to communicate effectively with customers, to ensure you can organise a delivery time that works for both parties.

To sum up

As we’ve discussed, there are so many different ways that businesses and customers can work together to improve delivery services.

We’re all involved in the fight against climate change, so every little change we’re able to make can go a long way to improving the planet for future generations.

By Ross Hansen, Content Producer, and Researcher

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