According to the European Environment Agency, logistics will account for 40% of global carbon emissions by 2050 if companies don’t take significant steps towards improvements. This highlights the need for dedicated sustainability goals within all logistics processes, yet these very plans are lacking for as many as 33% of businesses worldwide. 

This is terrible news for the environment, and it’s also not a great indicator of sales that increasingly rely on sustainability across entire product lifespans. Unsurprisingly, sustainable logistics are, therefore, a goal that countless companies intend to tackle this year. 

As this increase in uptake continues, and as sustainable logistics become ever-more commonplace, key trends are emerging to make this goal possible. Keep on reading to find out what they look like in 2025. 

# 1 – Decarbonisation

Unsurprisingly decarbonisation, which requires a business to take all possible steps to reduce the carbon footprints of its logistics processes, is a key trend this year. With business logistics remaining one of the major carbon contributors, it’s also a goal that requires pretty significant internal overhauls. 

Ideally, businesses should aim to achieve something called ‘net zero’, which means completely negating logistics-based greenhouse gases. Steps towards decarbonisation that could bring that goal within easier reach include – 

• Carbon awareness: Companies should be well informed about the carbon footprint of their current logistics processes, as this knowledge is key for making improvements. Business carbon calculator tools are a great starting point, and can also be helpful for tracking the impact of sustainability goals. 
• Carbon offsetting: Carbon offsetting doesn’t negate the need to improve the sustainability of logistics processes, but it is an important first step towards a more sustainable logistics plan. Businesses should aim to develop offsetting schemes that could be as simple as planting and maintaining company woodland with a dedicated team. Note that if you do go down this route, you’ll become legally responsible for the safe maintenance of that space using tools like a hedge trimmer and mini-digger. Even so, this is a great way of giving back, and schemes should be ongoing to ensure continued improvements. 
• Favourable partnerships: Truly sustainable logistics aren’t possible if supply chain partners don’t also prioritize sustainability. Always choose partners who are doing whatever they can to reduce their own carbon footprint, as this will ensure your processes are entirely in keeping with your sustainability pledges. 

# 2 – AI Optimisations

The importance of AI in logistics has been steadily growing, thanks to benefits such as faster processing and the reduction of repetitive manual tasks. Logistical AI optimisations such as route optimization and demand forecasting are also key players in the sustainability stakes. 

This is particularly true as things like more relevant demand forecasts reduce the risks of waste. Route optimization also stands to minimise the carbon footprint of deliveries. Not to mention that AI can easily identify things like slow-performing vehicles or those with the highest emissions. Companies can then sustainably streamline by minimising the use of, or upgrading, those pieces of equipment. 

# 3 – Rallying Around Renewable Energy

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Renewable energy has been a business staple for a while at this point, particularly thanks to benefits including both sustainability and the potential to significantly reduce company costs. By considering the potential of green energy solutions with logistics-based sustainability goals in mind, businesses can significantly reduce damaging carbon footprints. 

Just a few options here include – 

• Working with a green energy provider
• Installing solar panels within warehouses/shop spaces/offices
• Ensuring EV charging points for fleet vehicles on-site and at location

Admittedly, many of these campaigns do involve sometimes steep upfront costs, but they almost always have the potential to provide a reliably high return on investment (ROI). For smaller businesses, it may also be possible to qualify for government grants that make renewable energy a possibility across the supply chain. 

# 4 – Sustainability at the Customer End

When we think about logistics and sustainability, we most often focus on in-house processes like warehouse and factory functions. That makes sense in many ways because these are undeniably the areas doing the most environmental damage. But considering that logistics concerns everything that happens between the production and delivery of your goods, it’s also worth considering sustainability on the customer’s end. 

A great example of this can be seen in sustainable packaging, which should increasingly reduce plastic use in place of biodegradable materials such as cardboard. It also helps reduce waste, which is guaranteed to put sustainability processes at the forefront of any business. 

AI can again play a role in customer-facing sustainability, especially if companies integrate systems like automated delivery updates into their logistics processes. This will benefit customers and drivers by reducing the risks of missed deliveries and the additional carbon footprint required for second or third delivery attempts. 

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# 5 – Recognising Sustainability in Reverse Logistics

While logistics refers to the internal processes required to get a product to the customer, reverse logistics refers to the ‘upstream’ processes required for that customer to get a product back to you. This can happen for any number of reasons, including inappropriate products, damaged goods, or even simply a customer changing their mind. 

Countless companies fail to even consider sustainability in reverse logistics, but this is another area that can have a major impact, while also highlighting all-important front-facing sustainability concerns. The good news is that reverse logistics have sustainability benefits of their own, including waste reduction. As such, simply taking steps to ensure the ease and accessibility of your returns processes can serve as a tick against your name here. 

Companies could also benefit from developing reverse logistics processes with sustainability in mind. For instance, you could develop simple recycling schemes where customers send old products back. As well as potentially saving you money, this could have a huge environmental impact. 

Conclusion

Logistics and sustainability are an often-forgotten area of business. Get on top of these trends this year to make sure you’re not guilty of overlooking this all-important focus area.