Green technologies for a greener future, ET Infra

With people becoming more aware of the issues concerning the environment, the need for sustainable solutions has reached an all-time high. The shift in consumer behaviour has forced several industries, including logistics, to adopt greener practices.

With the aim to reduce the environmental impact of logistics operations including transportation, warehousing, and distribution, businesses involved in the sector are largely embracing eco-friendly solutions to create a more sustainable future.

By 2050, India can save over Rs 3.11 lakh crore on fuel and cut down 10 gigatonnes of CO2 emissions thanks to the adoption of clean and sustainable transport methods, according to a report by NITI Aayog and Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI).

Joining the logistics industry’s effort to establish a greener world, the government has also stepped forward and launched various initiatives such as National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP), Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) Emission Norms and Multimodal Logistics Parks among others. These projects seek to promote the use of electric vehicles for logistics, minimise the air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions from road travel, and make it easier for goods to flow seamlessly between different modes of transportation, cutting down on cargo handling and transit times.

Utilising alternative fuels, improving energy efficiency, and minimising waste, green logistics is essential to sustainable business practices, helping organisations save money while safeguarding the environment.

Impactful role of sustainable solutions: Transforming logistics infrastructure
Electric vehicles: According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the size of the Indian Electric Vehicle Market is projected to increase from $ 5.61 billion in 2023 to $ 37.68 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 46.38% over the forecast period (2023-2028). Electric vehicles have become a popular choice among both consumers and businesses given the rising prevalence of sustainable alternatives. By switching from conventional fossil fuel-powered vehicles to electric vehicles, the logistics sector is making a substantial contribution to lowering carbon emissions and air pollution. In addition, data analytics and Internet of Things (IoT) devices are also playing a significant role in monitoring and improving logistics operations. This involves examining cargo conditions, vehicle performance, and real-time traffic data, allowing logistics companies to use less fuel, run last-mile deliveries more efficiently, and reduce delays.Smart warehouse management: In the past, warehousing was connected to a host of challenges such as issues with labour allocation, manual inefficiencies, excess inventory, and poor communication. Additionally, it was difficult to manually manage the volume of data and logistics due to the dispersion of warehouses across multiple locations. However, with the development of cloud-based warehouse management systems, logistics companies can now access a flexible infrastructure, gain real-time insights into their processes, and effectively modify their operations in no time. These automated solutions reduce energy use, increase space utilisation, and improve inventory control, which reduces waste and boosts efficiency.

Reverse logistics: Reverse logistics is another major concept that has gained traction, focusing majorly on effective waste management. In order to minimise waste and cut down on the need for new manufacture, the process comprises managing the return, repair, and recycling of products in an efficient manner. Logistics companies can reduce resource consumption and environmental impact by putting in place efficient processes for product returns, recycling, and refurbishing, contributing to a circular economy.

Sustainable packaging options: Recyclable materials, biodegradable polymers, and minimalist designs all help minimise the usage of unnecessary packaging materials and cut down on the amount of waste produced during transportation. By decreasing the need for additional packaging while protecting products during transit, logistics companies can increase their commitment to sustainability and support the circular economy.

Data optimisation: Gathering and organising data was considered to be a cumbersome task prior to the advancement of technology. However, the emergence of modern technical solutions powered by AI and ML has made it possible to manage, store, and move commodities effectively by reducing the need for manual data entry and increasing the accuracy, speed, and efficiency of logistics. Furthermore, with the help of advanced data analytics, companies operating in the logistics industry can quickly spot inefficiencies and areas for improvement, resulting in more sustainable practices.

The road ahead
According to a Statista study, the Indian logistics market is expected to grow from its current size of $274 billion in 2022 to $563 billion by 2030. This indicates that the sector has enormous growth potential, highlighting the advancement of numerous technological innovations guaranteeing nothing but a greener future. By incorporating green technologies into their logistics infrastructure, logistics companies can significantly lower their carbon footprints, contribute to environmental preservation, and promote industry innovation.

Modern businesses with a sustainability-first approach will undoubtedly secure a greener future as we transition dramatically to environmentally friendly technologies and bring in an entirely novel approach to logistics.

(This article is written by Yash Jain, Founder of NimbusPost)