Sustainable logistics solutions have become increasingly popular recently due to growing concerns about environmental impact. Its practices are centered on how harm to nature caused logistic operations and transportation can be minimized.
What are sustainable logistics solutions?
Sustainable logistics solutions, primarily refer to the methods for making logistics processes, goods, and transportation more environmentally friendly.
The goal is to minimize the environmental impact caused by logistics industries and the products they provide. Most customers have become increasingly conscious and are seeking companies that focus on decreasing environmental harm.
That’s why it is important to incorporate sustainable practices into the supply chains of various businesses. With a clear goal of enhancing the industry’s sustainability, these changes can be implemented in the short, medium, and long term.
Just by making some logistic related activities to be more sustainable, the impact on the environment is very positive. Main benefits of applying sustainable logistics solutions include reducing emissions and energy consumption, enhancing reputation as well as strengthening the supply chain.
Industries related to logistics and transportation play a significant role in climate change, which is why they should implement effective changes for the planet.
Reduced emissions
Implementing improvements in the supply chain and approaching logistical activities from new perspectives can reduce pollutant emissions and decrease the energy usage in each process, resulting as well in budget savings for the company.
More efficient and cost-effective supply chain
Sustainable logistics solutions also address waste management and aim to minimize its impact. Encouraging a change in the industry as it transitions from the production of goods to how waste is recycled. These changes lead to a more efficient supply chain that translates into a better balance between production costs and profits.
Protects against reputational damage
With the increasing use of social media for sharing opinions or publicly denouncing actions, companies must carefully consider every action they take.
By adopting and implementing more sustainable strategies they can prevent customers from making negative comments that could harm the company’s reputation. When these practices are effective and well-promoted, many people also tend to share these changes, improving the public perception of the business.
Improved continuity of supply
Diversification of the supply chain and implementation of solutions by finding more sustainable practices is necessary. Companies can implement different solutions and determine which one best fits their objectives. This allows to discover better alternatives for production, some of which reduce costs, expedite processes, and simultaneously decrease pollution.
Alignment with government goals and commitments
Many governments have implemented environmental policies to reduce the impact of industries. Aligning business practices with these commitments often brings additional benefits to the company.
Tips for being sustainable
There are numerous strategies that companies can apply in order to have more sustainable practices. For some, it may involve simply evaluating and tweaking minor details to reduce environmental impact, while for others, hiring local logistics and transportation services may be necessary.
Sustainability assessment
Assessing the company’s logistics is crucial for finding areas where environmental impact is a concern. For instance, identifying inefficiencies in transportation routes, eliminating unnecessary travel and wait times.
Evaluating the types of technologies used throughout different stages of the production chain will lead to valuable insight. Investing in new tools can also lead to long-term energy and financial savings.
Hiring local services
Many companies often require additional services because they lack the infrastructure or expertise to efficiently handle them on their own. Local transportation and storage services are very familiar and have experience with the best routes, equipped with technology to optimize each phase efficiently, and equipped with containers suitable for goods.
By opting for these services, companies can utilize storage facilities without having to build their own, this way reducing the impact both storage and transportation of goods have, which is shared with other industries.
Sustainable logistics solutions allow companies to benefit from cost reductions, increased efficiency, minimized environmental impact and becoming popular among the market. To become more sustainable, it’s necessary to evaluate the current practices, upgrade the technology, eliminate unnecessary elements and routes, and consider hiring local transportation and storage services.
If you’re searching for a logistics partner whose sustainable practices are commendable, at EP Logistics, you can find the ideal partner. Contact us to learn more about our logistics services.
