Sustainable logistics

Sustainable logistics is the set of practices aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the logistics chain, covering transport, storage, packaging and last-mile distribution. Its goal is to move goods efficiently while minimising greenhouse gas emissions, energy use and waste generation across the entire flow of products.

Logistics is a significant source of emissions within the value chain, especially when upstream and downstream freight transport are counted. It is therefore an integral part of any sustainable supply chain strategy.

Main levers

Decarbonising logistics relies on several complementary levers:

• Modal shift: moving freight from more emission-intensive modes, such as road or air, towards rail or shipping, generally more efficient per tonne-kilometre.
• Route and load optimisation: planning journeys, consolidating shipments and raising vehicle load factors to cut empty running.
• Electrification: introducing electric vehicles, especially in urban delivery and the last mile.
• Alternative fuels: using lower-footprint fuels in segments where electrification is not yet viable, such as long-distance transport.
• Efficient packaging: reducing packaging weight and volume, using recyclable materials and making better use of load space.

These measures are complemented by reverse logistics, which manages the return of products, packaging and materials for reuse or recycling, closing the loop and reducing waste.

How it is measured

For improvements to be credible they must be measured with a recognised methodology. The international reference is ISO 14083, published in 2023, which sets a common methodology to quantify and report the greenhouse gas emissions of passenger and freight transport chain operations. This standard builds on the GLEC Framework (Global Logistics Emissions Council), a harmonised practical guide for all transport modes that is aligned with ISO 14083.

In the European Union, the CountEmissions EU regulation, agreed in late 2025, establishes a common method to calculate emissions from passenger and freight transport, taking ISO 14083 as its basis. Consistent measurement makes it possible to integrate logistics into the corporate carbon footprint and compare transport options objectively.

Relationship with sustainable transport

Sustainable logistics is closely linked to sustainable transport, but takes a broader view: it deals not only with the mode of transport but with the whole system that moves, stores and delivers goods. Optimising that system as a whole usually pays off more than acting on a single link.

Measure your logistics footprint with Manglai

Reducing the impact of logistics starts with quantifying it using reliable data. Manglai helps you measure the emissions of your logistics chain with recognised methodologies and identify where your biggest reduction opportunities lie. Discover how Manglai can help you make your logistics more sustainable.