6 Top Green Logistics Solutions transforming the industry

For decades together, the logistics industry has invited criticism for not being environment friendly and for the lack of willingness to adopt green logistics solutions. However, the last few years have witnessed a wave of startups coming up with innovative, green solutions that are certainly going to pave the way for a more sustainable, eco-friendly industry.

While most of these startups are still in their initial stages, their solutions are promising and have managed to grab the attention of companies across the globe.

Let’s look at some of the green logistics solutions that are transforming the industry:  

1. Velove – Electric Cargo Bikes

As major cities around the world continue to get crowded, traffic has become a significant hurdle in transporting goods within cities. While increasing the number of vehicles involved in your logistics operations may help speed up the delivery process to some extent, it will tend to worsen the problem. Above all, it won’t be a sustainable solution in terms of meeting the growing demands of the market. 

The industry today requires a solution that can solve the problem while being sustainable in the long term. Besides, it must be cost-effective and not disrupt the existing systems. 

Velove, a Swedish startup manufactures e-cargo bikes to solve this problem. These bikes are cost-efficient and high capacity vehicles that are enabling organisations to reduce their carbon footprint and become more sustainable in the long term. The bikes carry goods in containers built with a lightweight material, but crucially, these containers are made theft-proof. Compared to combustion engine vehicles, these bikes consume less energy. 

2. RigiTech – Cargo Delivery Drones

Last-mile delivery is an integral part of logistics operations. More often than not, traffic jams make it challenging to make timely deliveries. This compromises service and leaves you with unhappy customers. 

Drones have emerged as an exciting solution to the problem. A swiss startup RigiTech develops drones that have large payload capacities which make efficient cargo delivery possible. RigiOne, their main product is specifically designed for carrying cargo and can cover a range of 80 km in a single round trip. It’s powered with an electrically charged battery and thus, has zero carbon dioxide emission.

Must Read: Quarterly Region-Specific Report on Port Congestion – 2023!

3. NomadPower – Green Cold Chain

Thermally sensitive cargo require a temperature-controlled environment while in transit to ensure that they reach their destination in sound condition. Temperature is regulated while transporting such cargo with the help of refrigerated vehicles that are often equipped with electronic control systems. However, the refrigeration units of such vehicles depend on the engine or a diesel generator for power. This heavily contributes to carbon emissions.

A Dutch company, Nomad Power, has attempted to solve the problem by offering electricity connection points for trucks with cooling units. How do these connection points work? Charging ports are placed at regular intervals along the major European transportation routes. These connection points can be activated via their application, website or telephone. 

The technology is increasingly helping transporters shrink the cost involved in transporting goods that are thermally sensitive while reducing carbon dioxide emissions, and noise pollution.

4. Blubirch – Reverse Logistics

The demand for recycling and disposal mechanisms has seen a spike in recent times thanks to consumers becoming more and more environmentally conscious. Moreover, reverse logistics and companies trying to reduce their carbon footprint are closely associated with each other. Reusing goods cuts down on demand for new goods and hence, the waste generated in the process of manufacturing those goods. 

Blubirch, an Indian startup, offers reverse logistics solutions that facilitate maximum recovery from returned, unused and unsold technologies assets for enterprises and retailers. The startup has also been working towards effective and safe management of e-waste. 

5. SeaRoutes – Voyage Optimization

Voyages often turn out to be perilous owing to the unpredictable nature of weather and maritime conditions. Rough waters also lead to excessive usage of fuels and increase the cost involved in operating carriers. It also leads to increased sea pollution. However, intelligent solutions that enable route optimisation can address this problem. 

SeaRoutes, a Germany-based startup enables you to optimise the route for voyages via calculations based on historical data. The solution records various data points of previous voyages by Automatic Identification Signals (AIS). 

SeaRoutes’ algorithm is designed to calculate the most fuel-efficient route. The solution takes into account wind, waves, and tidal conditions while planning the voyage. It also helps minimise risks by notifying mariners about avoiding certain territorial waters. 

While forecasting the weather en route, the platform also estimates bunkering costs, fuel consumption, and carbon usage.

6. GoComet – Logistics Resource Management platform 

The emergence of digital technology in Logistics Resource Management space has impacted the environment positively in a variety of ways. To begin with, it has managed to make supply chain management paperless. Owing to the emergence of platforms that digitise procurement, all documents can be generated and accessed digitally. 

GoComet’s supply chain software digitises the process of freight rate negotiation and invoice reconciliation. As a result, all the documentation involved in the process is digitally available, eliminating the need for tedious paperwork. This makes paperless logistics management possible and thus, helps companies adopt a more environmentally sound approach towards running their business. 

Green logistics is the way forward…

A recent report by McKinsey highlighted that more than 90% of a company’s environmental impact is through its supply chain. This alone illustrates the need for organisations to adopt greener and more sustainable solutions. 

It’s vital to note that a sustainable supply chain considers the overall well-being of the society along with the environment. Undoubtedly, building a sustainable supply chain is an investment worth your time and efforts.

To learn more about how GoComet can help you build a sustainable, agile supply chain network, reach out to us here.