Green logistics represents the future of an incredibly thriving industry that continues to advance by leaps and bounds thanks to technology and new methods that make these processes more efficient through the principle of sustainability. But what exactly is this type of logistics, what are its benefits, and above all, how can we apply it to our companies?
Each of these aspects are especially important if we really want to fully understand everything that surrounds this logistics modality in order to get the most out of future procedures using it.
What is green logistics?
Providing a precise definition of what green logistics is, we can affirm that it is basically the implementation or modification of a series of strategies and technologies that are in line with reducing the damage caused to the environment by making rational use of the resources that we have daily in our logistics management.
The key to achieving the best green logistics is to strike the right balance between processes that are both economically sustainable and environmentally friendly. In short, these types of changes in logistics processes seek to achieve better economic profitability, reduce polluting gas emissions and in turn make the employee experience in the different distribution chains more bearable.
Its elements and benefits
Although the benefits of green logistics are notable in the short term, it is convenient to know the elements that make it up, which are:
- Green transport: This focuses on the use of means of transport that do not emit a high amount of polluting gases into the atmosphere, combined with the planning of efficient logistics routes that shorten journeys to ensure both environmental and economic efficiency.
- Green storage: Similarly, container units must have technologies that cause minimal impact on the environment, either through low polluting emissions or even a reduction in operating costs.
- Green distribution: This distribution consists of making a measured use of the fuel used in transport tasks, looking for shorter routes, but also seeking greater efficiency in the amount of waste produced by loading and unloading.
- Green packaging: As its name suggests, it focuses on avoiding the excessive use of plastics and other highly polluting materials that are difficult to biodegrade when packaging the products to be shipped.
- Recycling: Recycling cannot be ignored in this type of logistics, since it consists of correctly treating the waste produced in the management through its reuse and correct preservation in order to avoid a considerable negative impact on the environment.
When we talk about the benefits of applying this type of logistics, we find some quite significant ones such as cost savings, a better positioning in the international market, recognition by the rest of the sector and the very important improvement in the quality of life of everyone in general thanks to the environmental care by companies.
Challenges and their appropriate application in companies
Among the different challenges involved in maintaining and improving green logistics in today’s industry are keeping land routes, such as roads, in an optimal state, ensuring the safety of ships on maritime routes such as the Red Sea, maintaining good maintenance on railways and also knowing how to make accurate decisions in order to improve the sections that make up the logistics industry in general in terms of environmental.
On the other hand, the proper application of this logistics in companies involves a myriad of points to be considered, but, nevertheless, among the main ones we can mention the use of ecological vehicles, product packaging that does not use materials that are harmful to the environment, the use of sustainable warehouses, an intelligent use of raw materials, etc. among others that will depend on the characteristics of the carrier.
Sources:
Logística verde. La importancia de un transporte sostenible. Transeop
Logística Verde: ¿Qué es y cuáles son sus beneficios? Toyota
