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Logistics is at a point where technological development and social expectations are directly colliding. Customers expect fast deliveries, while at the same time there is growing awareness of environmental and climate issues. This is precisely the area of tension described by the Trend Radar from DHL, which is published at regular intervals and classifies technological and social developments for the industry. It is intended less as a forecasting tool and more as a guide for strategic decisions.
The focus is currently on green energy logistics. Behind this is the aim of designing logistics processes in such a way that they reduce environmental impact and are climate-neutral in the long term. This development is not an abstract vision, but a direct response to changing customer expectations. Today's customers increasingly want to know the ecological footprint of their deliveries.
The Trend Radar brings together developments that are particularly relevant from a logistics perspective. It considers not only new technologies, but also social changes. Growing sensitivity to environmental issues is one of the dominant drivers. Logistics is no longer measured solely in terms of speed and reliability, but also in terms of its responsibility towards the environment and society. For DHL, this means offering solutions that actively involve customers in sustainable decisions. The aim is not to treat sustainability as an additional option, but to integrate it into existing processes. Green Energy Logistics is thus becoming a strategic benchmark for investments and innovations.
A concrete example of this approach is the GoGreen programme. Customers can send their parcels in such a way that the emissions generated are offset. The shipment is made CO2-neutral in mathematical terms, without any changes to the process for the customer. Sustainability thus becomes an integrated option rather than an obstacle. This offer responds to a clear signal from the market. Many customers want to contribute to reducing emissions without having to understand the logistics processes in detail. GoGreen translates this desire into an easy-to-use model that bundles responsibility on the part of the logistics service provider.
Another component of Green Energy Logistics is the use of electric delivery vehicles. Several thousand Streetscooters are already in use in Germany, delivering parcels locally without emissions. Electric mobility really comes into its own on the last mile, which is often characterised by stop-and-go traffic. The use of such vehicles not only reduces emissions, but also noise in urban areas. At the same time, the vehicles provide important insights for the further expansion of electric fleets. Experience gained from daily operations is directly incorporated into the further development of the concepts. Electric mobility is thus evolving from a pilot project to an integral part of delivery logistics.
While ground-based transport can already be largely electrified, air transport remains a particular challenge. Aircraft cannot easily be operated without CO2 emissions. Alternative fuels and new propulsion concepts are under development, but are not yet widely available. Nevertheless, the goal is clearly defined. By the middle of the century, all logistics processes are to be CO2-free. This goal is deliberately ambitious. It is not meant to suggest that all solutions already exist, but rather to set the framework for continuous innovation. Interim targets play a central role in making progress measurable.
As a global company, DHL sees itself as having a special responsibility to actively shape the transformation. In this context, size means not only market power, but also impact. Decisions about vehicle fleets, energy sources or process design have a direct impact on emissions and resource consumption. The aspiration to not only observe the future, but to shape it, shapes the strategic orientation. Green Energy Logistics is not an isolated project, but part of a long-term process of change. Investments in electromobility, compensation models and new technologies are an expression of this understanding.
The development towards climate-friendly logistics is not a linear path. Technological breakthroughs, regulatory frameworks and social expectations are changing. The trend radar serves as a tool for regularly reviewing and adjusting this dynamic. Green Energy Logistics is a prime example of this approach. It is not about short-term effects, but about structural changes. Sustainability thus moves from being an image factor to an operational guideline. For the logistics of the future, this means that efficiency and responsibility can no longer be considered separately, but together form the benchmark for success.
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