Pondering the Environmental Impact of Quick Deliveries in Today's Eco-Aware Society?
In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, next-day delivery has become a standard feature, offering consumers instant gratification. However, this convenience comes at a cost, both financially and environmentally.
Next-day and quick commerce delivery cause significant carbon emissions increases. Delivery traffic emissions are projected to rise by up to 32% due to more trips of smaller shipments and less consolidated transport [1][4]. With the World Economic Forum predicting global delivery vehicle numbers will grow 36% by 2030, these emissions are set to rise further [1].
Another overlooked consequence of rapid delivery services is packaging waste. The need for individual wrapping, foam padding, and non-recyclable materials contributes to overwhelming waste streams, linked to the forecasted tripling of global plastic waste by 2060 [1][2].
High return rates in e-commerce, often stimulated by customer convenience, generate significant environmental costs. For example, 2.6 million tons of returns often end up in landfills, and the carbon emissions of shipping returns were equivalent to powering 2 million homes for a year in the U.S. in 2020 [3][2].
However, sustainable alternatives are emerging. Electric delivery vehicles are being adopted to reduce fossil fuel emissions in last-mile delivery [5]. Biodegradable, recyclable, and less bulky packaging materials are being used to decrease waste and improve recyclability [2][5]. Carbon offsetting and improved supply chain transparency with real-time tracking are being implemented to optimize routes and reduce emissions [5]. Reducing returns by enhancing product descriptions, sizing accuracy, and customer education can lower unnecessary shipments and waste [3].
Emma Carter, a logistics coordinator at Dielman Moving & Storage, is one of many professionals researching ways to make delivery systems more efficient, blending her passion for sustainability with her professional expertise. Retailers and logistics companies hold significant power in shaping the future of delivery services.
In the future, we may see a redefined standard where ultra-fast delivery is reserved for urgent needs, and slower, greener options become the default for everyday shopping. Consumers can make more conscious decisions by choosing slower delivery when possible, planning purchases, and supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability. Transparent communication about the carbon footprint of delivery options can help educate consumers and promote greener choices.
References:
[1] World Economic Forum. (2020). Shaping the Future of the New Economy and Society. https://www.weforum.org/reports/shaping-the-future-of-the-new-economy-and-society
[2] Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2020). The New Plastics Economy: Rethinking the future of plastics and catalysing action. https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/assets/downloads/publications/The-New-Plastics-Economy-2020-Rethinking-the-future-of-plastics-and-catalysing-action
[3] Optoro. (2020). The Cost of Returns: A Study of the Environmental Impact of Returns in E-commerce. https://www.optoro.com/resources/the-cost-of-returns-study/
[4] Transport & Environment. (2021). Delivering a Sustainable Future: A Green Deal for Urban Logistics. https://www.transportenvironment.org/sites/te/files/2021-04/Delivering-a-Sustainable-Future-A-Green-Deal-for-Urban-Logistics_0.pdf
[5] Circularity Gap Report 2021. (2021). Circularity Gap Report 2021. https://circularitygap.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Circularity-Gap-Report-2021-Final-Report.pdf
- The surge in next-day and quick commerce delivery contributes to a 32% increase in delivery traffic emissions, a statistic projected by various sources.
- In 2030, the World Economic Forum anticipates a 36% growth in global delivery vehicle numbers, exacerbating the already-rising emissions.
- Individually-wrapped, non-recyclable packaging materials contribute to the predicted tripling of global plastic waste by 2060.
- High return rates in e-commerce, aided by customer convenience, generate substantial environmental costs, with 2.6 million tons of returns ending up in landfills annually.
- Sustainable alternatives are emerging in the industry, such as electric delivery vehicles, biodegradable packaging, carbon offsetting, improved supply chain transparency, and reducing returns by enhancing product descriptions and customer education.
- Logistics professionals like Emma Carter are researching ways to make delivery systems more efficient, merging their interest in sustainability with their expertise.
- Transitioning to a future where ultrafast delivery is reserved for emergency situations and slower, greener options become the norm can be achieved by conscious consumer choices like opting for slower delivery when possible, planning purchases, and supporting sustainable businesses. Education about the carbon footprint of different delivery options can empower the public to make greener choices.
