In a new SupplyChainBrain article, Deb Deakin, Director of Process Improvement at ePost Global, explains why meaningful logistics sustainability goes far beyond biodegradable packaging—and where the greatest environmental gains actually come from.

"Many brands focus on visible consumer-facing initiatives, like biodegradable mailers or offset claims," Deakin writes. "But it's really at the supply chain level where a brand is going to have the greatest impact."

The oroblem with "sustainable" packaging in logistics

While biodegradable packaging sounds like an easy sustainability win, Deakin explains that it often creates more problems than it solves.

"Packaging that looks sustainable actually creates more waste when it's not designed for proper end-of-life processing," she notes. "In fact, only 10% to 20% of compostable waste in cities reaches the proper facilities, with the rest going to landfill or incineration, where these materials persist for years without breaking down as intended."

The environmental impact is worse than many realize. When biodegradable packaging goes to landfills, it degrades anaerobically and produces methane—a greenhouse gas that's 25 times more powerful than carbon dioxide.

Consumer confusion compounds the problem. Half of consumers surveyed couldn't tell the difference between compostable and biodegradable package types, leading to 50% mis-sorting rates and improper disposal.

Where real logistics sustainability gains come from

According to Deakin, true sustainability comes from optimizing operational elements within the supply chain:

Shipment consolidation

"Consolidated shipments allow for reduced parcel frequency and more optimized loads, slashing emissions more significantly than packaging changes do," Deakin explains.

The numbers tell the story:

• Shipment consolidation can reduce carbon emissions by 12-13% for retail and container shipments via fuller truckloads
• Some logistics providers estimate consolidation cuts up to 25% of carbon emissions
• Reductions come from fewer delivery vehicles and less packaging waste

Transport mode optimization

Beyond consolidation, logistics sustainability requires strategic decisions about how goods move through the network—choosing the right transport modes based on efficiency rather than just speed.

Data-Driven efficiency

"Operational efficiencies, rather than surface swaps in packaging, yield far larger environmental gains," Deakin writes.

Growing regulatory pressure on supply chain sustainability

Deakin highlights that emerging compliance standards are forcing logistics providers to act now on sustainability measurement and reporting.

"Emerging standards of compliance, such as the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and requirements around Scope 3 reporting, are forcing logistics providers to provide documentation of emissions transparency," she explains. "Companies that act now to measure and reduce their carbon footprint will be better positioned when requirements tighten globally."

Consumer demand for transparent sustainable logistics

The article also notes shifting consumer expectations around logistics sustainability. Customers are increasingly demanding transparency and credible claims, rather than just green labels.

In one example, Flying Tiger Copenhagen expanded its pick-up and drop-off choices with a fully integrated checkout solution, and saw online checkout conversions increase by 20%. Retailers offering multiple delivery choices—including slower or greener consolidated options—enjoy approximately 30% higher checkout conversion than retailers offering limited delivery choices.

The logistics sustainability challenge ahead

Deakin acknowledges that the transition to sustainable logistics operations requires significant investment.

"The transition requires investment in measurement infrastructure and redesign of operations," she writes. "Few organizations have the systems in place to track the very complex supply chain emissions. Creating carrier sustainability scorecards and converting to modal alternatives demand upfront resources and technical capabilities."

There's also continuing tension between sustainability commitments and customer expectations of speed—a balance logistics providers must navigate carefully.

Read the full article on sustainable shipping solutions

For Deb Deakin's complete analysis on implementing logistics sustainability practices, practical guidance on emissions measurement, and strategies for balancing sustainability with customer expectations, read the full SupplyChainBrain article.