Decarbonizing logistics: tackling challenges with technology
Is logistics prepared for a greener future? This pressing question was at the heart of an insightful interview by Greg Gowans for Trans.info with Antoine Bertrandy, CEO of CargoON, where he delves into the strategies and innovations driving the logistics sector's transition toward sustainability.
In his remarks, Antoine Bertrandy offered a lucid and actionable perspective on the complexities of decarbonizing logistics in Europe. Within an industry that is a major contributor to global emissions, reducing its environmental impact stands as a top priority, albeit a formidable challenge.
Here’s an in-depth analysis of the primary obstacles, the most promising advancements in sustainable logistics, and the strategic approaches to overcoming decarbonization hurdles discussed during the interview.
A pressing issue to be solved
Bertrandy emphasizes that logistics companies are under growing pressure to cut emissions, driven by increasingly strict regulations and heightened customer attention to sustainability. “For many companies, reducing emissions is no longer just an option; it’s a necessity for maintaining their social license to operate,” states Bertrandy.
However, achieving concrete decarbonization goals is complex, requiring investments in green technologies and structural changes to existing operational models.
Infrastructure and technology – pillars of transition
Current infrastructure is not yet ready to fully support the shift to low-emission logistics. Bertrandy highlights how the lack of electric charging stations for heavy vehicles and the limitations of the vehicles themselves present significant obstacles.
Without a large-scale expansion of supportive infrastructure, the widespread adoption of low-emission vehicles will inevitably face delays.
How to support investments?
According to Bertrandy, one of the primary barriers to decarbonization is the lack of sufficient incentives to offset the high upfront costs of these transformations. Companies require concrete measures, such as tax breaks and dedicated financing programs. However, in many cases, the regulatory framework remains unclear or fragmented across various European countries, making it challenging for companies to move forward with confidence.
“The costs of reducing emissions cannot fall solely on logistics companies. Public-private cooperation is essential to achieve meaningful results,” Bertrandy asserts.
With the right support, the logistics sector can effectively manage the financial and operational complexities of decarbonization.
A collaborative future
Another crucial element in advancing decarbonization is collaboration among various supply chain players. Bertrandy highlights the importance of building collaborative networks where companies can share resources and information to minimize inefficiencies.
Digitalization is essential in this process, enhancing management and traceability across operations, which positively impacts emissions.
The path to a sustainable tomorrow
Decarbonizing logistics is a complex challenge, yet through innovation and collaboration, the industry can achieve substantial progress.
CargoON is dedicated to creating solutions that make a tangible difference in reducing emissions. Bertrandy emphasizes that a key goal is to motivate clients to adopt digital tools for monitoring their environmental performance. With these solutions, companies can assess the impact of their operations and pinpoint areas for improvement.
