It may be because of the Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN for 2030, or because companies are increasingly aware of their importance, but the reality is that more and more are betting on sustainable logistics .
Carrying it out requires real involvement on the part of management, which is not only related to the internal functioning of the company, but also externally.
In the following lines we are going to talk about what is also known as green logistics or environmental logistics, the benefits of applying it and how to do it, so that you get the most out of it for your business.
What is Sustainable Logistics?
Sustainable logistics is one that is responsible for improving the processes of the supply chain, so that they are:
- more efficient
- More respectful with the environment
- Help us improve the user experience
- Improve the perception that the client and our suppliers and distributors have of us
And how can this be? Because the logistics chain is responsible for both the supply of materials, as well as the storage, transformation and subsequent distribution of the product created with those materials.
In addition, sustainable logistics is also related to committing to a sustainable economy and social activities of the same characteristics.
Within sustainable logistics, very varied areas come into play: reverse logistics; last mile logistics; sustainable transportation or product location, among others.
3 benefits of being sustainable in logistics
Introducing and correctly managing sustainable logistics in your business will lead you to obtain results that improve your business in different areas, as we have just seen.
Among the most notable are the following: reduction of gas emissions, improvement of brand reputation and alignment of government objectives.
#1Reduce gas emissions
In general, that emission is related to the management of sustainable transport. And how is this achieved?
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- Working with nearby companies
- Using more sustainable fuels
- Reducing and saving on fuel use
- Renewing the vehicle fleet for sustainable means of transport
- Improving products and user experience to minimize reverse logistics operations
- Improving goods flow processes
- Reducing materials that emit gases, both in their distribution and in their transformation
In this way, you will not only be able to reduce gas emissions, but you will also reduce distribution times and their cost.
#2Strengthens the reputation of the brand
Bearing in mind that we live in a society that is increasingly committed to caring for the environment, betting on having a sustainable company and doing it honestly, without assuming an operation known as Green Washing, will lead you to better connect with your clients.
In this sense, transparency is imposed. How? Publishing the improvements that are being made in the company to achieve a sustainable company and demonstrating that they are real.
As far as the products are concerned, the fact that the materials with which they are made are sustainable and/or that the packaging is also sustainable, and that the customer is aware of them, also helps you to improve your brand reputation and increase customer loyalty. your clients.
#3Alignment with regulations and government objectives
Since the UN established the 17 sustainable development goals in September 2015, more and more companies have adhered to them.
Among those objectives set by world leaders, sustainability is one of the main protagonists and is translated into the following actions.
- Sustainability when using clean energy
- By innovating in infrastructure
- By creating sustainable communities
- By making a responsible production and consumption of products
- By taking action to combat climate change
- By respecting the life of terrestrial and marine ecosystems
Aligning with said regulations and objectives contributes, not only to being part of a company that fights to leave a better world, but in this way also eliminates the sanctions that the signatory governments will impose on those companies that do not respect said agreements.
Elements of sustainable logistics
As we have already said before, green logistics covers several business areas, which are compiled in the following 4:
Transportation
Vehicle models are sought that consume the least amount of fuel possible and that, in addition, the one used is 100% sustainable.
Companies consider whether it is more convenient and sustainable for the company to subcontract this service or have its own fleet of vehicles, with all that this entails for their maintenance.
Storage
At all times, the aim is to have sustainable storage for what is necessary: distribute the materials or products, taking into account the use that is going to be given to them and making movement through the warehouse as easy as possible.
In the same way, and to avoid product waste and stockouts, efficient logistics management of the warehouse is sought. This can be achieved thanks to custom software .
Distribution
At this point, the aim is to optimize the routes for the distribution or collection of materials and products, in order to emit the least amount of CO 2 possible.
Same-day deliveries, which is one of the challenges faced by both distribution companies and the delivery and collection services of businesses, are another point to take into account.
To take into account because it is necessary to meet two objectives that are not always compatible: that deliveries are made on time and efficiently, and that they are sustainable.
packaging
It is one of the points that those consumers who are aware of caring for the environment pay attention to the most.
For this reason, use sustainable materials and, above all, study which materials are really necessary or not for the maintenance of the product, leaving aside the more marketing section or combining sustainability and design in the same packaging.
How is it possible to implement sustainable logistics?
The options are multiple. Here are some examples of sustainable logistics in companies:
- Create a sustainable hiring policy: that is, those companies that provide you with services, provide you with material to which they subcontract tasks, are sustainable in turn.
- Optimize processes to make them more sustainable : reducing both harmful gas emissions, as well as materials, distribution, energy and economic savings.
- Recycle your own waste: so that you reduce the amount of discarded materials, also giving them a new life.
Bet on zero kilometer businesses: in addition to generating wealth in your environment, you also reduce the number of trips, which helps reduce pollution.
conclusion
As you have seen, applying sustainable logistics to your business has important social, environmental and business advantages. Doing it is simple and society imposes it more and more. Will your company be next?
