Sustainable logistics refers to the planning and execution of the movement of goods in an efficient and environmentally responsible, economic, and social manner. Given the importance of logistics in the economic and productive fabric, achieving sustainability in logistics operations is a very important step to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, minimize waste, and promote sustainability in the supply chain.

The European Union has established a series of environmental standards and laws that represent a clear impetus towards sustainable logistics and responsible transport. These regulations cover aspects such as CO2 emissions, energy efficiency and sustainability in the supply chain.

These key rules and laws include the EU Vehicle Emissions Directive (VECD), the EU Transport Strategy and the Regulation on the monitoring, reporting and verification of greenhouse gas (MRV) emissions. A whole set of regulations that also address aspects such as CO2 emissions, energy efficiency and transparency in the carbon footprint of ships.

But the newest regulation is the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, pending approval by the European Parliament, which establishes a series of rigorous requirements for companies in terms of sustainability. Thus, with the entry into force of this directive, the business fabric must implement measures and processes aimed at identifying, preventing, detecting, and mitigating any adverse effect on human rights or the environment throughout its value chain.

When talking about sustainable logistics, we must also refer to the last mile and its great impact on the environment due to the large number of vans and trucks that circulate in congested urban areas. In this sense, smart lockers for delivery and collection of small parcels and convenience points close to the consumer are spreading, as well as urban hubs, small and agile warehouses in city centres.

The internationalization of markets and the growth of e-commerce have completely revolutionized packaging, storage and transport systems. On average, 1.5 million e-commerce packages are delivered worldwide on a typical day. In addition to moving towards more sustainable distribution, implementing green logistics also means eliminating unnecessary packaging and using eco-friendly packaging made from recycled, biodegradable (paper or vegetable fibres) and compostable materials (which can then be used as fertilisers for organic waste).