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Tag: sustainability

3 Essential Strategies to Face Peak Season in a Sustainable Way

Posted on by David Priestman

As peak season approaches, logistics professionals encounter a unique set of challenges: managing increased volumes, meeting tighter deadlines, and avoiding costly downtimes, all while upholding sustainability commitments. The pressure can be immense, particularly when infrastructure is stretched to its limits. However, with a strategic approach, thriving during this critical period without compromising sustainability is entirely achievable.

The balancing act: efficiency and sustainability

Peak season often presents a delicate balancing act between speed and environmental responsibility. For many logistics facilities, heightened demand necessitates ramped-up operations, leading to increased energy consumption and resource strain.

Continuous warehouse operations escalate wear on equipment, raise maintenance costs, and amplify electricity use for conveyor systems. Many professionals may find themselves asking: How is it possible to maintain efficiency without sacrificing sustainability?

3 key areas to enhance sustainable peak season performance

Reducing downtime with smart equipment choices

Unplanned downtime is the adversary of peak season success. Equipment breakdowns or excessive maintenance disrupt operations, causing delays and escalating costs. A sustainable solution starts with durable, low-maintenance equipment that can minimize interruptions. For example, Ammeral Beltech Ziplink™ belts are engineered to reduce maintenance needs and can be installed quickly, even under high-pressure conditions. This allows warehouses to continue operating efficiently with minimal interruptions, enhancing productivity and reducing resource waste, all of which aligns with sustainability objectives.

Minimising energy usage with high-efficiency solutions

Facing Peak Season Sustainably

Energy consumption surges during peak season, especially in high-speed logistics environments. Many warehouses struggle to meet demands without incurring substantial energy bills and increasing their carbon footprint. High-performance conveyor solutions like Ammeral Beltech RAPPLON® high-performance flat belts and heavy-duty roller drives are designed to address this challenge by delivering maximum performance with minimal energy use. These belts, with their wear-resistant polyurethane cover and flexibility, help support accumulation and ensure low energy consumption, even in challenging conditions such as wide temperature variations and heavy loads. Their efficient splicing process also contributes to reliability and reduced downtime, making them an ideal choice when energy efficiency is critical.

Streamlining resources for maximum output

Peak season is an opportunity to reassess resource utilization. Are the materials durable enough to withstand intense demand? Are processes optimized to enhance performance while reducing waste? By minimizing maintenance needs and ensuring easy replacement of key components, like Ziplink™ and RAPPLON® belts, companies can significantly reduce material waste, lowering both costs and their environmental impact. These logistics solutions are designed to handle heavy use while maintaining optimal performance, supporting a more sustainable approach to peak season demands.

Looking beyond the season: Preparing for long-term sustainability

For logistics professionals, peak season may be the most challenging time of year. By investing in energy-efficient, low-maintenance systems like Ziplink™ and RAPPLON® belts, companies can prepare for future demands while simultaneously reducing their overall carbon footprint, ensuring sustainability goals are met year-round.

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Plastic Modular Belt Increases Multi-directional Movement

New Nespresso Partner for All-Electric Deliveries in London

Posted on by David Priestman

Nespresso has partnered with logistics company HIVED to introduce fully electric deliveries in London. The collaboration is expected to reduce carbon emissions by up to 76% per parcel, saving 10,000 kilograms of CO₂ monthly while handling 60,000 deliveries. Nespresso’s goal is to provide an “elevated, seamless, and sustainable” experience, with HIVED offering a 99% first-time delivery success rate.

“As HIVED continues to expand its operations across London and beyond, this partnership is a great example of how HIVED can support major brands like Nespresso through its fast, reliable, and uncomplicated delivery experience for customers,” said a representative from HIVED. Nespresso added, “We want to make sure every delivery is elevated, seamless, and as sustainable as possible, which is why HIVED is the perfect partner to help us achieve this ambition.”

Growing Trend in Sustainable Logistics

This collaboration highlights the growing industry shift toward eco-conscious logistics. Leading companies like Amazon, UPS, and FedEx are also embracing electric fleets to meet consumer demands for greener services. Nespresso and HIVED’s initiative aligns with these developments, helping reduce emissions while maintaining high service quality.

A Blueprint for the Future of Deliveries

HIVED’s operational success—coupled with its environmental commitment—demonstrates how logistics providers can drive positive change. As the logistics industry undergoes transformation, this partnership serves as a model for how brands can collaborate with innovative providers to cut carbon emissions while ensuring excellent service.

The future of logistics is clearly leaning towards more sustainable solutions, and this partnership represents one of many steps companies are taking to create greener supply chains. Through efforts like this, Nespresso, alongside other industry leaders, is shaping the future of sustainable delivery services globally.

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Electric Cargo Bikes will Deliver Thousands of Packages

Energy Storage to be Major Challenge for Logistics Industry in 2025

Posted on by David Priestman

In its latest report, Toyota Material Handling emphasizes that energy storage will become a critical concern as electrification gains momentum.

High-Capacity Batteries: The Future of Energy Infrastructure

The Trends in Logistics 2024 report from Toyota Material Handling stresses that as companies transition to electric vehicles and battery-powered equipment, effective energy storage will be vital. The report argues that high-capacity batteries could play a crucial role in the UK’s future energy strategy, potentially powering entire industrial sites—or even cities—during times when renewable sources aren’t available.

“There is no doubt that high-capacity batteries will become a part of the overall energy landscape,” said Gary Ison, product development manager at Toyota Material Handling. “Battery manufacturers and OEMs are racing to develop batteries capable of powering electric vehicles like forklifts for extended periods while also storing renewable energy for when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing.” The technology could be compared to Tesla’s Powerwall systems, but on a much grander industrial scale.

The Race to Develop New Battery Technologies

The report highlights rapid advances in battery technology, pointing out that materials such as silicone, graphene, and sodium are gaining attention. Despite this, the much-hyped solid-state batteries—widely considered the future—remain expensive and difficult to produce, delaying their widespread use. This situation echoes the electric vehicle market, where models like the Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf continue to rely on traditional lithium-ion batteries despite the potential of newer technologies.

Alternative Fuels Gaining Traction

In addition to advancements in batteries, Toyota’s report also highlights the growing interest in alternative fuels. Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and hydrogen are becoming popular among operators of large fleets. Hydrogen fuel cells, for example, are already in use in high-demand environments such as Amazon warehouses, where fast refueling and emission-free operation are critical. Ison explained, “For companies with access to on-site hydrogen supplies, fuel cells can be refueled in just a few minutes and enable emission-free operations.”

Grid Capacity and Renewable Energy Availability Remain Concerns

Despite the optimism around new technologies, the report warns of ongoing concerns regarding grid capacity and the availability of renewable electricity. These issues are familiar in the UK, where rising electric vehicle adoption has sparked fears of grid overload during peak times. Similar concerns could slow the logistics sector’s transition to electric power, potentially hindering the UK’s net-zero targets.

“Transitioning to sustainable energy sources is one of the most significant issues facing the supply chain sector,” said Ison. “While the shift from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles is well underway, grid stability and reliable electricity generation remain challenges.”

Navigating a Changing Energy Landscape

Toyota’s Trends in Logistics 2024 offers a snapshot of how the logistics industry is navigating the complexities of decarbonization and technological innovation. As the sector strives to balance ambitious climate goals with practical challenges, the report suggests that energy storage will be at the heart of the industry’s future.

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What stops Logistics Companies Achieving Sustainability?

Biggest Electric Truck Purchase

Posted on by David Priestman

Global logistics company DSV has signed an agreement with Volvo Trucks to purchase 300 electric trucks, marking one of Volvo’s largest electric vehicle orders. This move is a significant step in DSV’s strategy to reduce emissions and align with industry trends toward greener transport solutions.

Expanding Sustainable Road Freight Solutions

With a focus on sustainability, DSV aims to transition more of its fleet to electric or renewable fuel-powered vehicles. The partnership with Volvo includes plans to deploy 300 zero-emission trucks across Europe, alongside 500 fuel-efficient diesel and gas models. This mirrors industry-wide efforts, with companies like DHL and Amazon also investing in electric fleets.

Why DSV Might Have Opted for Electric Trucks

DSV’s decision to invest in electric trucks is likely driven by three key factors:

  • Sustainability and Compliance: Electric trucks align with DSV’s environmental goals and help meet stricter emissions regulations being introduced globally.
  • Long-term Cost Efficiency: While electric trucks have higher upfront costs, they offer lower operating and maintenance expenses, providing long-term financial benefits.
  • Customer and Market Demand: There is growing demand from clients for greener logistics solutions, making electric trucks a strategic choice to attract environmentally conscious customers and enhance DSV’s competitive edge.

Industry Collaboration for Decarbonisation

Volvo Trucks President, Roger Alm, expressed pride in strengthening the collaboration with DSV, stating, “Collaboration and a strong commitment to making a difference are crucial to realizing sustainable transport and significant CO2 reductions. This order is a testament to DSV’s confidence in our solutions and demonstrates that zero-emission transport is achievable today.”

Søren Schmidt, CEO of DSV Road, echoed these sentiments: “Close collaboration across sectors is key for DSV to be a catalyst in decarbonising the industry. Extending our partnership with Volvo supports our mission to lead the green transition in logistics and bring scalable solutions to our customers.” The collaboration is in line with efforts seen across the transportation sector, where companies are increasingly forming partnerships to leverage expertise and share the investment costs associated with transitioning to cleaner technologies.

Scaling Green Trucking Infrastructure

The fleet supplied to DSV will feature the new Volvo FH Aero Electric, designed with enhanced aerodynamics for greater energy efficiency. DSV already operates electric trucks on routes in Sweden and Denmark, where it has established charging infrastructure powered by solar panels at its distribution centres in Landskrona and Horsens. This is consistent with broader industry trends, where companies are investing in both electric vehicles and the necessary infrastructure to support widespread adoption. For example, companies like Tesla, Nikola, and Daimler are all developing electric and hydrogen-powered trucks while also working to establish charging networks.

Commitment to Climate Targets

Both DSV and Volvo are committed to science-based climate goals, with plans to significantly cut emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2050. These commitments align with global efforts by major logistics and transport companies like Maersk and DB Schenker to drive industry-wide decarbonisation.

The DSV-Volvo deal is a clear example of how leading logistics and automotive companies are driving the evolution of the transport industry toward a more sustainable and low-emission future.

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What stops Logistics Companies Achieving Sustainability?

Transforming Transport Operations with Mapping Intelligence

Posted on by David Priestman

Route optimisation has become ever more important in recent years. The rise in ecommerce has created new routing pressures, especially in the last mile; while rising fuel costs, the push towards net zero, load theft have placed the spotlight on using preferred refuelling locations and the need for safe, comfortable parking, especially overnight.

Layering these demands over the traditional goals of controlling costs and meeting tight deadlines has highlighted the limitations of generic mapping and routing solutions. From large HGVs stuck in tiny rural lanes to the damage – and cost – incurred when a HGV hits a low bridge or the risk of compliance breach associated with taking a hazardous load through a tunnel without permission, many transportation companies have learnt the painful lesson of relying on a phone’s satnav.

Consumer mapping technologies may be ubiquitous but they lack the depth of insight required to manage the complexity associated with the commercial movement of goods. As Kate Legnola, Sr. Product Manager, Map Data at Trimble explains, dedicated commercial route mapping technology has been developed to address the very specific demands of transportation fleets, from height and weight restrictions and hazardous materials transport designations to improving driver well-being and safety.

Meeting Operational Goals

Reliance on online maps has become standard for most drivers but effective commercial route optimisation requires far more depth and breadth of insight than the basic, ubiquitous directions that cannot differentiate between a driver in a heavy goods vehicle or a two-seater sports car. Commercial mapping intelligence has evolved beyond simple visualisation on a map to offer a wide range of insights on business and driver behaviour that can significantly enhance fleet management. Complex routing algorithms are used to determine the most efficient routes for delivery or service vehicles by considering factors such as traffic patterns, road permissions, congestion and clean air zones, low bridges, narrow lanes and fuel consumption. Data, including not only construction of new infrastructure, but also any changes in existing restrictions is continually updated following routine bridge and tunnel inspections undertaken by highways authorities to give planners confidence in the safety and legality of the designated route.

Making Transportation Sustainable

Transportation companies can leverage this depth of information to plan based on different priorities, comparing routes based on sustainability, cost and time objectives. The ability to offer clients different routing models provides a competitive advantage by enabling a transport business to demonstrate how it is supporting a client’s sustainability reputation, for example. It is also assisting fleets in future-proofing their operations so they can better serve and meet their sustainability goals. Among them are a better ability to adhere to environmental rules and guidelines, a better understanding of vehicle carbon footprint, a reduction in operating costs with the efficient allocation of vehicles based on electric vehicles thus achieving long-term, sustainable cost reduction.

Boosting Fleet Efficiency

Complex algorithms are used to determine the most efficient routes for delivery or service vehicles by considering factors such as traffic patterns, road permissions, congestion and clean air zones and low bridges.. Route intelligence software can also track dwell time, a perennial problem for all transportation companies. Using precise polygonal geofencing to improve the accuracy of arrival and departure notifications, the overall journey time, including both travel and stop time, is more precise. It is also enabling companies to better understand the overall efficiency and performance of the fleet, information that can help to reduce empty miles, cutting costs and reducing emissions whilst adding revenue.

Keeping Drivers Safe

Indeed, by investing in smart mapping technology, elements such as planning processes will automatically consider drivers’ hours of service (HOS) and can include specific locations for resting and parking to avoid the risk of drivers being compelled to park up on the roadside which is both uncomfortable and unsafe. Further, using intelligent route mapping, transportation companies can optimise loyalty programs and discounts around specific brands of fuel to optimise routes, understand freight spend, and plan routes more efficiently. The routes can be designed around the use of rest stops preferred by drivers wherever possible to ensure they have access to good quality food and showers.

Driver safety can be further enhanced with vehicle specific information throughout the journey especially regarding the trickier problems that can arise during the last mile. Commercial mapping intelligence solutions pinpoint the actual final locations, such as the delivery entrance to the shopping centre rather than the consumer entrance used by the generic mapping solutions. In addition, transportation companies can opt to customise the mapping, overlaying a preferred approach path for specific locations to ensure every driver, however new to the business, has the optimal, safe route to each location, whether that is a store, warehouse or distribution centre.

For transportation companies wrestling daily with the need to mitigate disruption, reduce costs and meet escalating customer demands, intelligent route mapping and routing is becoming a strategic imperative. Companies can no longer afford to rely on traditional manual route planning processes or allow drivers to rely on their own generic mapping systems. The risks of delays, damage and missed opportunities are simply too high.

Intelligent route mapping provides businesses with a chance to improve day to day planning and ensure routes are optimised for each vehicle, taking into account the essential features of weight, size and hazardous materials. It gives the chance to focus on both driver performance and well-being, enabling companies to prioritise access to safe overnight parking and rest stops. Finally, it also delivers vital insight into the intricate interplay of suppliers, processes, and partners that allows transportation companies to optimise operations, intelligently consider innovations in areas such as EVs, and confidently navigate today’s complex marketplace.

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3D City Models for Geospatial Transportation Data

 

Girteka Group Launches Educational Campaign on Sustainability

Posted on by Will Priestman

Today’s main challenge in the logistics and transport sectors is decarbonisation. Electric trucks, intermodal transport, hydrogen powered vehicles, and biofuels are the most common solutions currently being discussed in terms of tackling the European Union’s (EU) ambitious emission reduction targets. However, understanding the discussion requires deep knowledge of details and technicalities and hard to understand by a non-expertise audience. Today’s available content is fragmented and lacks an overall holistic perspective on what can be achieved and how, who will stand to gain and who will end up losing in the drastic transition to Net Zero by 2050. Most importantly, what opportunities does today’s goal of decarbonisation of road transport present in terms of sustainable solutions for companies.

Exploring Pathways to Sustainability

Girteka, a road transport company, providing services in the logistics of temperature controlled (food & `beverages, pharma products) and high-value cargo in Europe, is launching an educational initiative to bring forward valuable insights and information about the decarbonization of road freight transport. The idea behind this campaign is to convey the message that the activities and direction the EU is heading toward should be practical, realistic, and beneficial for all stakeholders within the entire supply chain in the long term, as well as for the communities in which we work and live.

In the upcoming weeks, through various digital channels, Girteka will be sharing insights on battery-electric heavy-goods vehicles, their usage, drivers’ experiences, and challenges that many businesses are facing today when it comes to achieving their sustainability goals. The campaign will also explore topics related to intermodal rail transport – what is possible today and what plans have been put into place to improve the infrastructure? Later on, Girteka will analyse the possibilities of reducing emissions from existing assets through the implementation of solutions like HVO100 or HVO mass balancing. Also as final part the initiative will also focus on the new requirements of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in terms of reporting emissions from transport, which can be easily incorporated into the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) approach.

“Today, everyone talks about sustainability. We all have high ambitions, yet we are still struggling to understand how we are going to achieve them. Our campaign aims to provide a  clearer and more understandable view of the current situation: what  options are available today and what would be the consequences of implementing those options for every stakeholder, starting from road transportation companies like us, through manufacturers and maintenance/infrastructure providers up to the end customers,” says Tomasz Weber, Head of Corporate Communications for Girteka Group.

Sustainability in the Digital Age

Girteka’s sustainability campaign will consist of several activities and will primarily be presented in digital channels. Starting with dedicated landing pages providing information about sustainable solutions available today, to in-depth articles and insights analysing infrastructure, networks, key roadblocks, and experiences gained so far, to discussions with experts in the form of podcasts, interviews, and video case studies.

“Our goal is to foster a common understanding before discussing specific approaches and ways to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 in Europe. There is a lot of hard-to-understand information and stereotypical thinking when talking about sustainability. Yet we need to be aware that today’s decarbonization goals are not solely the responsibility of transport companies. This is a global challenge, where cooperation is needed to achieve those very ambitious goals,” emphasizes Viktorija Terekė, Head of Sustainability at Girteka.

As today’s discussions on this topic mainly occurs online and through social networks, Girteka’s campaign on sustainability will present all the relevant information, latest insights as well as expert discussions in the digital landscape. This includes LinkedIn, Facebook and X fan pages, where users will be able to follow and stay updated, as well as be properly informed about sustainable transport solutions.

The goal is not only to provide information, but to cultivate a common understanding and a platform for discussion where every stakeholder is involved. Central to this campaign is the idea that sustainability in logistics is a multifaceted challenge that necessitates a holistic, informed approach. This campaign will serve as an open invitation for all players in the logistics field to embrace sustainability not just as a corporate responsibility, but as a shared mindset among businesses,  customers, producers, service providers, and individuals alike.

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Leading Sustainability in Logistical Operations

Posted on by David Priestman

In the dynamic world of logistics, there’s growing pressure to address environmental impact. From transportation to infrastructure, operations significantly contribute to carbon emissions and resource consumption.

As climate concerns rise, companies are urged to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace sustainability. Beyond ensuring cost savings, this shift enhances operational efficiency and shapes consumer perceptions, crucial for staying competitive in today’s eco-conscious marketplace.

Prioritising Sustainability: Ammeraal Beltech’s Approach to Logistical Solutions

At Ammeraal Beltech, we deeply integrate sustainability into our business strategy, recognising its critical significance in today’s global landscape. Our dedication lies in conducting our operations responsibly and actively implementing initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint across all aspects of our business.

Acknowledging the distinct challenges encountered by the logistics industry, particularly in terms of energy consumption and carbon emissions, thanks to our expertise, we strive to provide our customers with customized and pioneering solutions and strategies that not only cater to their operational requirements but also support their sustainability objectives.

AMMdurance rPET: A Game-Changer in Sustainable Conveyor Belts for Logistics

In response to these challenges, Ammeraal Beltech proudly presents AMMdurance rPET, a revolutionary conveyor belt crafted from fabric made from recycled PET bottles. With every square meter of AMMdurance rPET, 14 PET bottles are recycled, resulting in a significant CO2 emissions reduction compared to standard synthetic belts.

AMMdurance rPET provides three key benefits:

  1. Reduced environmental impact
  2. Minimized noise
  3. High-quality performance.

The use of recycled materials not only promotes plastic recycling but also reduces carbon emissions by 70%. Furthermore, noise-reduction features contribute to better working environments for logistics operators, fostering clear communication and heightened productivity. Despite its sustainability focus, AMMdurance rPET upholds the exceptional performance standards associated with Ammeraal Beltech products, thereby decreasing power consumption, lowering maintenance needs, and extending belt longevity.

Ammeraal Beltech’s commitment to sustainability is evident in innovative solutions like AMMdurance rPET. By reducing carbon emissions and enhancing operational efficiency, we’re shaping a more sustainable future for logistics. Partner with us to embrace sustainability and propel your logistical operations towards success in a rapidly evolving industry.

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Conveying Sustainable Logistics

Reusing Pallets Essential to Sustainability Goals

Posted on by David Priestman

The Chairman of the UK National Association of Pallet Distributors (NAPD) has called for supply chain businesses to ensure they have a ‘reuse first’ policy in place for pallets.

As new legislation will be introduced in the UK and EU in 2024, environmental reporting will be mandatory for large businesses and is expected for SMEs by 2026. NAPD Chairman Paul Tait said the many companies that supply products such as food, drink, and pharmaceuticals can make the transition more straightforward by reusing their pallets, which will cut the carbon impact of their supply chains.

“Reuse is a central part of a circular economy and enables businesses to make sizeable savings in their emissions and move closer towards their increasing sustainability obligations,” said Tait. “Wooden pallets are a naturally sustainable product and companies that reuse them in their supply chains extend the environmental benefits further.”

Used pallets are exempt from packaging waste regulations, so businesses using them also cut down administration and cost.

Reusing Pallets

Saleh Hijazi, press officer for NAPD, said: “With regulations including the Sustainability Disclosure Standards (SDS) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in the UK, and CSRD in Europe, coming into force in the months ahead, it’s imperative that everyone involved in goods supply chains works together to mitigate environmental impact and make businesses greener. Sustainability-focused strategies for supply chains are no longer a ‘nice-to-have’; they are essential to meeting legislative obligations and the demands of our customers.”

NAPD is the UK association for companies that repair pallets for reuse to a high standard. Its members are bound by a code of conduct and provide additional supply chain services to customers.

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European business reusing more wooden pallets

 

 

Warehouse and Logistics Predictions

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Logistics predictions, by Phil Shepley, Vice President and Head of Commercial UK and Ireland at Iron Mountain.

The key challenges for the warehouse and logistics industry in 2024 fall into three categories – modernising operations, sustainability, and workforce disruptions.

Supply chain disruptions, from global events to geopolitical shifts and natural disasters to public health crises, can impact the flow of goods, leading to disruptions. The UK continues to have strong demand for high quality warehouse space. However, the resultant higher rents and longer leases are putting strain on balance sheets. Warehouse as a Service (WaaS) can support modernisation more flexibly.

We think 2024 will see heightened demand for WaaS, supporting end users to modernise their supply chain operations. Businesses will prioritise agile supply chains, leading to an increased adoption of WaaS to adapt to changing market conditions. WaaS offers a flexible and cost-efficient alternative to owning and managing warehouses.

Sustainability

The tightening energy performance standards on new and leased buildings will see occupiers modernising their estates, at the risk of being served huge fines. While retrofit activity will drive a significant number of efficiencies, the demand for new spaces built to modern standards will rise. The sustainable nature of the warehouse of the future will be another important consideration. Providers will need to support customers to achieve their net zero goals.

EPC changes will drive customers to demand higher standards from their suppliers to ensure requirements are met ahead of deadlines.

Workforce disruption

Automation and AI improve safety and increase efficiency in warehouse operations. It alleviates the workforce shortages the industry faces, however cost and flexibility are still a barrier for many companies. The warehouse and logistics sector will continue to face challenges around attracting and retaining talent in key roles. Combined with the continued impact of legislation and global events impacting labour availability, organisations may need to contend with shortages.

Shoppers Ditch Sustainability for Bargains

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Today, Manhattan Associates Inc. (NASDAQ: MANH) announced the findings of a new study on Britain’s sustainable shopping habits in the lead-up to Christmas. At a time when consumer spending is typically high, the fallout from the cost-of-living crisis has revealed that low costs are trumping both sustainability considerations and convenient deliveries and returns, indicating that cost will be paramount for more shoppers this holiday season.

Shopping Sustainably

The survey conducted by YouGov found that 32% of Brits aren’t actively looking for sustainable products or brands when shopping online. This behaviour makes it clear that shoppers are now prioritising their pockets (even more so than shopping with brands who provide convenient deliveries and returns), proving that economic factors play a significant role when it comes to sentiments around sustainability: “The golden quarter and holiday season is well underway but clearly the state of the economy is having an effect on customer behaviour – unfortunately, it looks as if cost is trumping sustainability just now,” commented Craig Summers, Managing Director UKI, MEA & Nordics at Manhattan Associates.

However, outside of the festive season, the data revealed that shoppers are still concerned with sustainability as a broader topic, and that there are growing consumer expectations for businesses to be greener. To help achieve this, customers are willing to make some sacrifices. The research found that:

• Almost two-thirds (64%) of Brits believe it is important for businesses to offer sustainable packaging
• Over half (53%) expect a sustainable product lifecycle, with returned products being actively recycled and reused
• Over half (56%) are also willing to wait to receive multiple parcels in one delivery to cut down on carbon emissions

Retailer Requirements

Brands must find the right balance between providing customers with sustainability and affordability. Redesigning products to take into account sustainability (at the beginning of the design process), ensuring items can be recycled more easily and using more environmentally friendly materials at the outset of production are a vital first step and essential for any brand now facing increased regulatory scrutiny of green claims. On top of this, however, finding ways to decarbonise the supply chains that deliver products will be equally important: rethinking make-or-buy decisions and limiting the need for long-range logistics, setting procurement standards for suppliers and improving visibility across networks will result in a more sustainable retail industry overall.

“This year has been tough for retailers and consumers across the board. From the domestic cost-of-living crisis – magnified by inflation and higher interest rates – to an increasingly fractured macroeconomic environment, 2023 has proved challenging for retailers and consumers alike. While inflation is beginning to ease, the road to recovery will not happen overnight. It perhaps isn’t surprising that customers are prioritising costs above all other aspects right now, especially as we approach Christmas, but hopefully we will see greener shoots of recovery for the economy, and also consumer impetus for sustainability, return in the spring,” concluded Summers.

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