What is eco-logistics and what does it consist of?

Eco-logistics, also known as ecological logistics or green logistics, is in the focus of the most cutting-edge and environmentally responsible companies. Out of conviction, to improve their image or to save resources and money, it is a model for the future that leading companies are adopting today. And more and more of them know what it is and are joining the movement. If it is still a term that sounds like it's from another world, discover from VALL what eco-logistics is and what it consists of.

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It is the set of business practices, processes and measures that a company can adopt to minimise the environmental impact of the logistics, transport, distribution and delivery network. This includes companies in the logistics sector as well as the logistics department of any type of industry or commerce. It is also known by other names such as green logistics, environmental logistics or sustainable logistics. It consists of applying specific measures to reduce the carbon footprint, minimise environmental impact, make responsible use of natural resources and provide better protection for the environment in all logistics steps and processes. Both in the supply chain when it comes to industrial logistics and in the entire business processes in the case of the logistics sector.

There are many measures that can be taken and through it we can better understand what it consists of and how it can be applied in practice in companies.

Sustainability in warehousing is key to achieving the objectives of eco-logistics. Green logistics and sustainable removable warehouses go hand in hand because of their advantages in terms of minimum environmental impact and resource consumption, among others. But in green logistics warehousing, the relevance of sustainable construction standards are not the only ones to take into account. Sustainable management is also key. Every measure implemented to favour the reduction of energy consumption and natural resources is important. For example:

• Artificial Intelligence allows a better use of resources and the reduction of travel within the warehouse.
• Electric mobility reduces the carbon footprint of this area of logistics.

Until relatively recently, it was rare for environmental criteria to be taken into account in the purchasing and procurement policy of the industrial sector. Nor in the logistics sector. However, in recent years it has not only gained in presence but also in weight or importance, becoming an increasingly relevant factor in decision-making.

Depending on the characteristics of each company, these criteria may refer to issues such as:

• The purchase of efficient commercial vehicles.
• Preference for products with ecological or recycled packaging and little or no use of plastics.
• Prioritising local suppliers.
• Company and product certifications to encourage the purchase of sustainable products and solutions.
• Choosing sustainable solutions in areas such as the installation of logistics storage warehouses, management software, furniture or warehouse machinery.

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In order to achieve the objectives of eco-logistics, applying environmental criteria in the optimisation of transport management is essential. In this area, there is a wide range of important measures that companies can adopt, among them:

• Assessing locations close to delivery areas. With greater relevance for companies in the logistics sector specialising in transport and delivery to the end customer, whether a company or a private individual.
• Optimisation of transport and delivery routes to reduce energy consumption.
• Creation of mini hubs in cities and study of traffic to determine the hours of least congestion in their supply for distribution to retailers and private customers.Choice of less polluting means of transport for delivery in green vehicles such as electric vans or quadricycles and bicycles, LPG or green hydrogen vehicles.

A key opportunity to reduce the environmental impact of logistics lies in the proper management of waste. Firstly, measures must be taken to reduce the volume of waste generated. Secondly, the application of processes to separate recyclable waste from non-recyclable waste, thus facilitating its sustainable management.

Small measures make big improvements over time. For example, storage management software helps to reduce paper consumption.

Good storage management reduces the costs and energy resources used in reverse logistics. And good stock management in perishable products minimises lost merchandise, as well as representing a significant economic saving. Once the keys to implementing measures for the application of eco-logistics have been identified, the business benefits are clear to see:

• Energy savings, resource savings and economic savings.
• Better corporate image.
• Differentiation of the brand from the competition.
• Better preparation for the future and the possible implementation of demanding regulations in terms of sustainability and environmental protection.
• Better corporate social image.
• Less noise and environmental pollution.
• Facilitates the attraction of customers, partners and associates with a strong environmental awareness and commitment to sustainability.

 

 

Sources:

https://www.esic.edu/rethink/management/que-es-la-logistica-verde-y-que-beneficios-aporta https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Log%C3%ADstica_verde https://www.mecalux.es/blog/logistica-ambiental https://istas.net/descargas/Las%20compras%20verdes%20y%20socialmente%20responsables.pdf