Untangling Practical and Legal Hurdles to Sustainable Logistics

Electric vehicle charging infrastructure and easing highways laws could help logistics providers to innovate and decarbonise their operations, write Tim Jones, director of marketing, communications and sustainability at DPD, and Ben Standing, partner in planning and environment at UK and Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson.

The UK’s logistics industry stands at the heart of the nation’s net zero ambitions, moving everything from manufacturing components to finished goods across complex supply chains that underpin the economy. As the government pursues its 2050 net zero targets, the role of logistics has never been more critical.

However, the environmental gains achieved in production risk being undermined if the carbon footprint is simply transferred to the delivery process – known as Scope 3 emissions, which are embedded in supply chains and account for the vast majority of a company’s carbon footprint. This interconnectedness means logistics companies are not merely participants in the green transition, but enablers of broader economic decarbonisation across multiple industries.

Management consultancy McKinsey & Company estimates the global logistics industry accounts for about 7% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, with 80% of these emissions related to transportation. While there are already some exciting advances in the green logistics revolution, a number of practical, legal and regulatory hurdles remain.

Innovation driving change

A successful sustainability transition requires more than simply swapping diesel vehicles for electric alternatives. Innovation must address practical challenges including payload considerations, driver route optimisation, vehicle range limitations, and the development of both on-site and public charging infrastructure.

As part of its commitment to net zero by 2040, DPD has developed smart charging systems that allow drivers to book charging slots and join virtual queues, reducing anxiety about charger availability. It is also trialling fully-electric, autonomous robot deliveries in Milton Keynes, navigating the city’s traffic-free Redway network to access nearby residential neighbourhoods.

Practical and legal hurdles slowing progress

Despite technological advances, significant practical obstacles remain. Effective government support for a green transition within the logistics industry is therefore required via co-ordinated action across multiple policy areas. There are now about 80,000 charging points in the UK, but there is some way to go for the Department for Transport to meet its target of at least 300,000 points by 2030. A Public Accounts Committee report published in March 2025 found the government has been slow to address gaps in charge point provision, with regional divides and inequalities across the rollout.

The legal landscape surrounding emerging logistics technologies presents a complex web of regulatory requirements that are still evolving. The deployment of autonomous delivery robots on public highways raises novel legal questions about liability, insurance requirements, safety standards, and the interaction between automated systems and existing traffic regulations.

Current legislation was not designed to accommodate delivery robots, drones and other autonomous systems operating in shared public spaces. This creates uncertainty for logistics companies seeking to invest in these technologies while ensuring compliance with existing laws and regulations. Establishing regulatory sandboxes would allow for safe testing and deployment of innovative technologies.

Insurance and liability frameworks require careful consideration when deploying new technologies. Questions arise about responsibility in the event of accidents involving autonomous systems, the adequacy of existing insurance products and the development of new risk assessment methodologies for novel technologies.

Collaborative pathways forward

McKinsey estimates worldwide demand for green logistics will reach £350bn by 2030, comprising 15% of total global logistics spend. This shows the prize for success is substantial: a logistics industry that not only reduces its own environmental impact, but enables broader economic decarbonisation while maintaining the efficient goods movement that underpins modern life.
The green logistics transformation, however, requires collaboration between industry, government and other stakeholders to untangle the various practical and legal challenges.

similar news

Navigating the supply chain crisis

 

Alternative Fuel Programme to Accelerate Sustainable Logistics

Girteka, the European transport company, has announced its new Alternative Fuel Programme (AFP), a key initiative in the company’s drive to decarbonize logistics operations by integrating HVO fuel into daily operations. This innovative program is designed to help customers reduce their Scope 3 emissions from road transportation by up to 90% compared to traditional diesel.

How the Alternative Fuel Program Works

The AFP is specifically tailored for companies with long-term contracts that are committed to sustainability and looking to significantly reduce their transport emissions. The process is simple – when customers opt for transportation services using HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), Girteka utilizes trucks in areas with the necessary infrastructure to refuel with this alternative fuel. The amount of fuel required for the customer’s transport is matched, even if it’s used by another truck in the network. Customers then receive a detailed report showing the emissions reductions achieved through their participation. The program is available to customers with dedicated lanes, excluding spot market services.

“Sustainability is becoming now a core part of corporate strategies,” said Viktorija Terekė, Head of Sustainability at Girteka. “With the Alternative Fuel Programme, we offer our customers a reliable and transparent way to reduce emissions, without requiring them to redesign their existing supply chains.”

Benefits for Customers

Participating in the Alternative Fuel Programme brings several benefits:
• Emissions Reduction: Up to a 90% reduction in emissions compared to diesel, helping customers meet EU climate goals.
• Transparency: All transport is traceable, with fuel and emissions data available for audits and sustainability reporting.
• Certification: The fuel used is certified by suppliers, ensuring full traceability and transparency.
• Corporate Reputation: Companies benefit from enhanced public perception, as consumers increasingly prioritize products transported with lower emissions.

At the core of Girteka’s Alternative Fuel Programme is a rigorous emissions calculation methodology based on the GLEC framework. This ensures that emissions reductions are accurately measured, making the data trustworthy and audit-ready.

“Our calculations are directly tied to each transported load,” said Terekė, “We can show our customers exactly which truck was used, when it was refueled, and with what kind of fuel. Each refueling transaction is fully certified by our fuel suppliers, so there’s no room for guesswork.”

A Transparent and Scalable Approach to Emissions Reduction

Unlike Book & Claim programs or mass balancing, Girteka’s AFP is an intermediate solution that offers both the traceability of direct emissions reductions and the scalability needed for larger operations. Similar initiatives in the aviation and ocean freight sectors focus on balancing emissions without the same level of direct impact.

One of Girteka’s strategic partners has already integrated the AFP into its operations. “We were looking for ways to reduce our transport emissions without disrupting our supply chain, and Girteka’s AFP provided exactly what we needed. The transparency, traceability and reporting of the program gave us confidence, and we’ve been able to significantly improve our sustainability reporting,” said a company representative.

Since its launch, the program has already attracted dozens of similar strategic partners, with interest continuing to grow as more companies recognize the tangible benefits of reducing emissions in a traceable, transparent way. Alternative Fuel Programme is designed to help businesses achieve their sustainability goals while reducing emissions in a practical and transparent way. As the demand for cleaner transport solutions grows, the AFP offers a viable alternative to traditional fuel methods, helping companies make a real impact in decarbonizing the logistics sector.

similar news

DKV Euro Service partners with Girteka Logistics

 

 

Subscribe

Get notified about New Episodes of our Podcast, New Magazine Issues and stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter.