The logistics industry in the United States is a $1.6 trillion industry, making it one of the country’s most significant and essential industries. The sector comprises companies specializing in the transportation and storage of goods. It plays a crucial role in the economy by helping to move goods and materials to where they are needed.
The logistics industry has seen steady growth in recent years and is expected to continue to grow in the years ahead. A significant reason for this growth is the increasing demand from businesses for just-in-time delivery services. As e-commerce grows, the need for fast and reliable delivery services will only become more critical. However, as the logistics industry grows, its carbon emissions also increase.
The Environment and the Logistics Industry
The transportation and storage of goods generate significant greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation has a 27% share when it comes to the carbon emissions of the country. The industry is responsible for a major chunk of those emissions, and it needs to take steps to reduce its environmental impact.
There are several ways in which logistics companies are working to become more sustainable and reduce their environmental impact.
Using Corrugated Cardboard Boxes
It’s no surprise that the logistics industry uses a lot of cardboard boxes. The industry uses so many cardboard boxes that it significantly impacts the environment. The good news is that there are ways to reduce this impact. One way is to use corrugated cardboard boxes.
Corrugated cardboard is made from recycled paper and is 100% recyclable. This means that sustainable cardboard manufacturers can recycle them much faster. It also reduces the energy needed to produce each box while making them more affordable.
Corrugated cardboard is also lightweight and strong, which makes it ideal for packaging and transporting goods. Furthermore, corrugated cardboard boxes can be used multiple times before recycling. This reduces the amount of waste the logistics industry produces and helps save trees.
Another way the industry can be more sustainable is to use certified sustainable forestry initiative (SFI) fiber-based products like kraft paper. SFI is a program that promotes the sustainable management of forests.
By using certified sustainable products, logistics companies can be sure they are using materials from responsibly managed forests. This helps reduce the industry’s impact on the environment and ensures that forests will be around for future generations.
Using Renewable Energy
Another way logistics companies can become more sustainable is by using renewable energy. The transportation sector is responsible for a significant share of greenhouse gas emissions, and the industry needs to find ways to reduce these emissions. One way to do this is by using renewable energy.
There are many different types of renewable energy, but solar power is one of the most promising for the logistics industry. Solar panels can be used to power vehicles, and the logistics industry is already beginning to use them.
For example, in 2018, UPS installed 3,500 solar panels on top of a distribution center in Ohio. The installation generates 1.1 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, which is enough to power 105 homes annually. This project is just one example of how the logistics industry uses renewable energy to become more sustainable.
UPS isn’t the only company using solar power. FedEx has also installed solar panels at several of its locations. For example, in 2017, FedEx installed 2,400 solar panels at a facility in California. The installation generates 567,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to power 50 homes.
Use Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles are another way the logistics industry can reduce its environmental impact. Electric vehicles have zero emissions, meaning they don’t pollute the air pollution. They also use less energy than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
There are many different types of electric vehicles, and the logistics industry is beginning to use them for deliveries.
For example, recently, UPS announced that it was buying 2,500 electric delivery vans from Arrival, a UK-based company. The vans will be used in Europe and North America.
This is just one example of how the logistics industry uses electric vehicles to become more sustainable. As technology improves and electric cars become more affordable, we can expect more companies to switch to electrification.
Reduce Fuel Consumption
Fuel consumption is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The logistics industry uses a lot of fuel, so finding ways to reduce fuel consumption is essential. One way to do this is by using more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Another way to reduce fuel consumption is by using route optimization software. This software analyzes data to help companies plan the most efficient routes possible. This reduces the time drivers spend idling, reducing fuel consumption.
Logistics companies can significantly reduce fuel consumption by using fuel-efficient vehicles and route optimization software. This helps the environment and saves the company money on fuel costs.
The logistics industry is vital to the global economy, and it plays a huge role in preventing global warming. By becoming more sustainable, logistics companies can reduce their environmental impact and help preserve our planet for future generations.