The convenience and accessibility of online shopping have led to increased packaging waste, carbon emissions from delivery vehicles, and other adverse effects. This has imperatively resulted in sustainability becoming a top priority for eCommerce businesses and their customers alike. However, for many small- and medium-sized eCommerce businesses, sustainability can seem like a daunting challenge.
Are there some simple steps that businesses can take to get an “in” into the world of sustainability and eco-consciousness?
Reduce Packaging Waste
Packaging waste is one of the biggest challenges eCommerce businesses face. The good news – there are many ways to reduce the amount of packaging waste generated by eCommerce orders. One simple step is to use sustainable packaging materials, such as recycled cardboard or biodegradable plastics, or by using minimal packaging — like avoiding excess padding.
Optimise Delivery Routes
Another key area to make a difference is by optimising delivery routes. By planning the most efficient delivery routes, businesses can reduce the amount of fuel consumed by delivery vehicles, which in turn reduces carbon emissions. This not only helps the environment but also saves money in the long run.
Encourage Recycling
Encouraging customers to recycle packaging materials is another critical step in eCommerce sustainability. Including information about how to recycle packaging materials in order confirmations or shipment notifications can help customers make informed decisions about how to dispose of packaging materials in an eco-friendly way.
Go Multi-Carrier
Another important point to consider is that while carriers are working to introduce more sustainable delivery options, they are at different stages in their own sustainable journey and may not be able to offer all the delivery options needed for a truly sustainable eCommerce business. This is where working with a multi-carrier partner can be beneficial. A multi-carrier partner can offer a range of eco delivery options from different carriers, allowing eCommerce businesses to choose the most sustainable option for each shipment based on factors such as distance, delivery time, and carbon emissions.
Consolidate your orders
By working with a multi-carrier partner that offers consolidated collections, eCommerce businesses can reduce the environmental impact of their first mile operations while also saving on costs. This is an important consideration, as the first mile of delivery is often the most carbon-intensive part of the delivery process.
