In a world increasingly becoming conscious of its environmental footprint, as an eCommerce owner, it is imperative to reevaluate your practices to align with sustainable solutions. One area of concern is the environmental impact of traditional shipping methods. According to a report by DigitalCommerce360, 56.8% of consumers consider sustainable shipping highly important. As consumers shift towards online shopping, the demand for efficient and eco-friendly shipping options becomes more critical than ever. In this blog, we’ll delve into the environmental impact of traditional shipping and explore how innovative eCommerce sustainability is making waves in reducing the ecological footprint of eCommerce.
What is Sustainable Shipping in eCommerce?
Sustainable shipping refers to conducting shipping operations in an environmentally responsible and resource-efficient manner. This involves minimizing carbon emissions, reducing waste, and adopting eco-friendly practices throughout the order fulfillment process. Sustainable eCommerce aims to balance the growing demand for eCommerce with the need to protect our planet.
Environmental Impact of Traditional Shipping Methods
Every year more than 165 billion packages are delivered across the United States made of cardboard produced from 1 billion trees. Not only that, companies using plastic as an alternative are making the situation much worse. As per GlobalNewsWire, the eCommerce sales globally result in 7500000 extra plastic bags which take 50-500 years to decompose.
According to a recent report by Parcellab, one-third of the solid waste comes from eCommerce packaging in the United States. Excessive packaging, commonly used in traditional shipping, contributes to the global plastic waste crisis. Single-use plastics and non-recyclable materials end up in landfills or oceans, harming ecosystems and marine life.
According to the EPA, poorly optimized shipping routes and inadequate transportation is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. These methods result in wasted fuel and increased emissions. They also reported that 70% of carbon emissions come from ground transport which has led to increased temperatures. Traditional shipping models’ lack of coordination and planning exacerbates the industry’s environmental impact.
Known to very little, eCommerce returns are also a major contributor to environmental degradation. In the US alone, 10% of goods sold are returned to the retailer. This is not only the loss of business but has led to the production of 15 million tons of carbon.
How to Make Shipping More Sustainable for your eCommerce Business?
According to Statista, the pollution from shipping will reach 25 million tons of CO2 by 2030. To combat this environmental deterioration, it has become more important than ever to focus on eCommerce sustainability.
Here’s a quick rundown of how you can deliver things quickly and cheaply while also being kind to the planet:
- Optimize Transportation Routes: By optimizing transportation routes, you can reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Utilize advanced logistics algorithms to ensure the most efficient delivery routes, contributing to a greener shipping process.
- Optimize your Supply Chain Operations with Software: Leveraging technology is pivotal in creating a sustainable and efficient shipping process. Incorporating proprietary software helps businesses optimize their supply chain operations by providing real-time data and insights. This enables you to make informed decisions, reduce transportation inefficiencies, and minimize the environmental impact of shipping. By identifying areas for improvement, you can enhance the overall sustainability of your supply chain.
- Invest in Green Packaging: One of the key aspects of sustainable shipping is the use of eco-friendly packaging. Traditional packaging materials, such as single-use plastics and excessive cardboard, contribute significantly to environmental degradation. Sustainable shipping packaging focuses on using recycled materials, reducing packaging waste, and exploring innovative materials like biodegradable or compostable alternatives. ShipTop leads by example, using packaging materials that are not only recyclable but also made from recycled materials.
- Encourage Consumer Participation: Educating and involving consumers in the sustainability journey is crucial. You must engage your customers through informative packaging, encouraging them to recycle and reuse materials, and fostering a sense of responsibility among consumers.
- Renewable Energy Adoption: Switching to renewable energy sources for transportation and warehouse operations is a significant step toward making shipping more sustainable. Invest in renewable energy solutions to power its facilities, reducing its reliance on non-renewable resources.
- Optimize Order Management System: One of the fundamental steps towards sustainable shipping is the optimization of your order management system. Implementing returns management software is a strategic move to mitigate the environmental impact of returns. By streamlining the reverse logistics process, retailers can efficiently handle returned products, reducing waste and ensuring that items are resold locally. This not only cuts down on transportation emissions but also minimizes the need for excessive packaging.
- Multi-location Warehouses: Establishing multi-location warehouses or partnering with a fulfillment partner having multi-location warehouses is a strategic move. It contributes significantly to sustainable shipping. By strategically placing warehouses in various regions, you can reduce the distance traveled during the shipping process. This not only lowers transportation costs but also minimizes the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping. Customers receive their orders faster, and your business benefits from a more eco-friendly and efficient supply chain.
- Compostable Mailers in Place of Plastic Mailers: Plastic pollution is a global concern, and the eCommerce industry is not exempt from its impact. One way to make shipping more sustainable is by replacing traditional plastic mailers with compostable alternatives. Compostable mailers break down naturally, leaving no harmful residues behind. This eco-friendly approach not only reduces the reliance on non-biodegradable materials but also aligns your brand with environmentally conscious consumers who prioritize businesses committed to sustainable practices.
- Collaborate with Sustainable Carriers: Partnering with carriers that prioritize sustainability can significantly impact the environmental footprint of your shipping operations. Research and collaborate with carriers committed to reducing emissions, optimizing routes, and adopting eco-friendly practices. By aligning with carriers that share your sustainability values, you contribute to a more sustainable and responsible shipping ecosystem.
- Continuous Monitoring and Improvement: Sustainability is an ongoing commitment. Regularly monitor the environmental impact of your shipping practices and seek continuous improvement. Embrace innovation, stay updated on sustainable technologies, and adapt your shipping strategies accordingly. This iterative approach ensures that your eCommerce business remains at the forefront of sustainable shipping practices.
Conclusion: Paving the Way for Sustainable Shipping
According to a survey, 92% of customers are more likely to trust an eCommerce business incorporating environmentally friendly initiatives than others. As customers become more environmentally conscious, the demand for sustainable shipping solutions continues to rise. That said, as an eCommerce owner sustainable eCommerce is the key to maximizing your sales with exceptional customer service. All you need to do is find the right fulfillment partner that aligns with your business goals without neglecting the environment.
How ShipTop is Reducing the Environmental Impact of eCommerce?
As the concerns of traditional shipping on the environment grow, most eCommerce businesses are inclined to incorporate sustainable alternatives. ShipTop, a pioneering player in the eCommerce logistics space, is spearheading efforts to minimize the environmental impact of shipping.
- Green Logistics: ShipTop prioritizes sustainable practices in its logistics operations. By optimizing shipping routes and employing energy-efficient transportation methods, the company reduces its carbon footprint and minimizes the environmental impact of eCommerce.
- Packaging Innovation: ShipTop is committed to reducing packaging waste. We invest in eco-friendly packaging materials that are recyclable and biodegradable. We aim to decrease the environmental burden of excess packaging common in traditional shipping. ShipTop has embraced sustainable alternatives, such as recycled cardboard and compostable materials, for its packaging needs.
- Eco-friendly Warehousing Practices: ShipTop recognizes the pivotal role that warehouses play in the overall sustainability of the supply chain. The company has implemented eco-friendly warehousing practices aimed at reducing energy consumption and minimizing waste.
- Community Environmental Initiatives: ShipTop goes beyond reducing its emissions by actively participating in environmental programs. By engaging in initiatives that contribute to environmental conservation and sustainability, ShipTop strives to balance out its remaining carbon footprint.
By navigating the path of sustainable solutions, Shiptop is not only reducing its environmental impact but also setting a precedent for the shipping industry at large. As we move forward, it is clear that the future of shipping lies in the hands of companies that prioritize both efficiency and environmental responsibility. Get in touch with us today to discuss your fulfillment needs.
As consumers, businesses, and logistics providers unite in the pursuit of sustainable shipping, we can collectively contribute to a healthier and more sustainable planet.