Sustainability in logistics

The term originally comes from forestry: in 1713, Hans Carl von Carlowitz formulated the rule that only as much wood may be felled as can grow back through planned reforestation. Today, this principle has developed into a cross-industry framework for action. For the transport and logistics sector, this means moving flows of goods reliably while gradually and continuously reducing the consumption of finite resources, pollutant emissions and social impacts through specific operational measures.

Sustainability as a business necessity

Companies do not operate in a vacuum. Any business that relies directly or indirectly on natural resources, public infrastructure and skilled workers can only safeguard its corporate value and social contribution in the long term if it acts in harmony with people and the environment. A future-oriented business operation therefore requires a strategic approach to sustainability based on double materiality.

Inside-out perspective: Companies identify and manage the effects of their own business activities on the environment and the social landscape - for example through operational greenhouse gas emissions, land use or working conditions along the supply chain.

Outside-in perspective: Companies analyse the impact of environmental and social developments on their own business model and financial performance. This includes physical climate risks, raw material shortages, changing customer expectations and strict regulatory requirements (such as the CSRD or the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act).

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System relevance and holistic responsibility in logistics

Transport and logistics networks form the backbone of modern economies. They supply businesses with intermediate products, ensure the availability of everyday goods, medical products and food, and guarantee the functioning of industry and e-commerce. Because of this supply function, the logistics sector plays a central systemic role. This social role brings with it comprehensive responsibility: future-proof logistics is not limited to environmental and climate protection issues, but also firmly includes the social and corporate dimension.

Human rights and labour standards: Fair pay, regulated working hours and respect for human rights across all subcontractor and partner structures.
Occupational health and safety: Ergonomic workstations in hubs and depots, standardised safety routines and preventive protection for driving and handling personnel.
Compliance and responsible procurement: Transparent business processes, corruption prevention and the seamless enforcement of ethical guidelines among suppliers and partner companies.

To make logistics processes gradually more environmentally compatible and socially responsible, what is needed is not calculated offsets, but real, physical reduction measures in operational processes.

Fields of action: measures for resource-conserving logistics

Social responsibility and safe working conditions: The foundation of stable supply chains is the people in the network. Logistics companies establish clear control systems to review minimum social, environmental and ethical standards among all transport partners. This includes targeted occupational health and safety measures (e.g. lifting aids for heavy consignments, modern break and rest areas), fair employment contract terms and regular audits to ensure fair framework conditions.
Energy- and resource-efficient sites: Logistics properties, hubs and distribution centres offer considerable potential for energy savings. The key lies in modernisation and energy-efficient new builds - for example through photovoltaic systems on warehouse roofs for on-site electricity generation, energy-efficient conveyor and sorting technology with intelligent standby and shutdown controls, LED lighting with presence detectors, and energy-saving heat pump and ventilation systems.
Efficient transport and network planning: Inefficient route planning places a burden on both the environment and operating results. By using modern IT systems, learning algorithms and dynamic route planning, delivery rounds are optimised in real time. A coordinated mainline and feeder network ensures that freight capacities are bundled as effectively as possible and that mileage per transported parcel is reduced to an operational minimum.
Resource-conserving packaging and volume reduction: Packaging protects the goods being transported, but ties up valuable raw materials. The aim of responsible shipping operations is to use precisely fitting packaging formats in order to avoid transporting unused empty space ("air in the parcel"). At the same time, recycled materials, recyclable mono-material solutions and circular reusable systems are becoming more important in order to conserve primary resources.
Avoiding unnecessary transport movements and empty runs: Every kilometre not driven reduces energy consumption immediately. Logistics networks manage transport in such a way that empty runs in long-distance and local transport are consistently minimised through coordinated load space management and return loads. In the delivery area, flexible drop-off permissions, alternative delivery points such as Parcel Shops and Parcel Lockers, as well as digital notifications, reduce unsuccessful delivery attempts and the associated second journeys.
Lower-emission means of transport and alternative drives: The transformation of the vehicle fleet is carried out according to the area of use - from battery-electric vehicles on the last mile to alternative fuels in heavy goods transport.
Efficient and consolidated returns management: Returns create additional transport routes and handling effort. Well-thought-out returns management aims to minimise returns before purchase through precise product descriptions and advance information. Any returns that do arise are consolidated and taken back in bundled form via existing delivery routes instead of generating uncoordinated individual transport.

Become a GLS business customer!

Are you looking for a logistics partner that meets your shipping requirements with a responsible focus on people and the environment? Then become a business customer with GLS! We rely on specific, physical measures within our own network: expanding operational charging infrastructure, gradually electrifying delivery fleets, energy-optimised depot sites and intelligent route optimisation. You will also receive tailored shipping solutions aligned with your requirements - nationally and across Europe. As a business customer, you also benefit from transparent shipping solutions, digital interfaces and standardised reporting, with which you can make your shipping step by step more efficient and more resource-conserving.

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