DHL has published a new study titled “Fair and Responsible Logistics.” It describes a trend that is changing the way businesses operate, allowing them to achieve both profit growth and sustainable development, where value is created collectively by all stakeholders. The report was developed by the DHL Trend Research team as an ongoing initiative within the Deutsche Post DHL Group.
The report analyzes the key drivers of the transformation toward fairness and responsibility, primarily the growing consumer expectations in this regard. The publication also emphasizes that while many companies rely on digitalization and new technologies as the main sources of business modernization, they should not underestimate the potential of transforming into fair and responsible enterprises. This is a concept that is currently becoming an important source of future growth and sustainable competitive advantage.
The report identifies 15 potential examples illustrating how logistics companies can improve the circular economy and ensure fair access, achieve fair production, and trade. These potential examples will be used by DHL to develop concepts aimed at accelerating the implementation of the fairness and responsibility concept in the logistics industry.
The logistics industry can become a leader in the transformation toward fairness and responsibility
Today’s climate makes creating a sustainable future more difficult than ever before. Mass production and consumption cause imbalances in a globalized society and environment. “Doing well by doing good” is the guiding principle of the DHL Group report. By adopting this approach, the logistics industry can leverage its position in managing global trade networks and supply chains to accelerate the implementation of fair and responsible business concepts in other sectors as well.
– We see a growing demand for fair and responsible business practices from all stakeholders and believe that the logistics industry can contribute to accelerating the adoption of this trend – explains Dr. Markus Kückelhaus, Vice President of Innovation and Trend Research at DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation.
Logistics is a global industry that can play a key role in implementing the concept of fairness in companies and influence the improvement of transparency throughout the supply chain. By placing the concept of fair and responsible logistics at the center of our operations, we can generate new revenue streams and new social and environmental value for all stakeholders. For example, logistics service providers can use recycling-friendly warehouses and delivery vehicles that serve as infrastructure for both the logistics and recycling industries. This will allow for increased waste recycling and, consequently, a reduction in waste volume. In this case, the use of delivery vehicles equipped with flexible interiors that change size during delivery is envisioned; the delivery section shrinks as packages are unloaded, and the section for recyclables expands as they are collected on the return trip.
Fair and responsible packaging solutions can help us reduce the growing volume of packages. Packaging materials would be made from biodegradable and eco-friendly raw materials that can be composted in a garden after delivery. Another innovative solution is “logistics unverpackt,” which completely eliminates the need for packaging goods purchased online; these goods can be delivered in waste-free, reusable containers.
Another example aims to promote fair production and trade. It assumes that logistics service providers use their global reach and expertise to support companies in the process of mapping complex supply chains. This information can then be used to achieve transparency and reveal areas of risk and opportunity related to fair and responsible business.
Continuous pursuit of a sustainable future
– Our GoGreen solutions already allow us to meet the growing demand for responsible logistics services and create value for customers, our business, and the environment – says Katharina Tomoff, Vice President of Shared Value at Deutsche Post DHL Group. – We are striving to develop similar solutions, such as reverse logistics for the circular economy.
As proof of the Group’s ongoing commitment, the Fairtrade Foundation recently announced that Deutsche Post DHL Group will become its first certified partner in a new climate standard.
The DHL report “Fair and Responsible Logistics” comes from another publication, the “Logistics Trend Radar,” which is used by the DHL Group to identify and leverage trends and technologies impacting the logistics industry. Both publications are available online.
The “Logistics Trend Radar” report is available at www.dhl.com/trendradar and the “Fair and Responsible Logistics” report at www.dhl.com/fairresponsible