Sustainable 3PL for eco-friendly supply chains

Efforts to improve sustainability in business operations are becoming increasingly widespread. This environmentally friendly approach is also being adopted by 3PL providers.

What is sustainable third-party logistics?

Sustainable 3PL refers to the ability of logistics providers offering services to third parties to carry out their operations while minimising their environmental impact. To achieve this, these companies must integrate practices that support a sustainable supply chain at every stage, from sourcing raw materials to last-mile delivery.

3PL providers foster sustainable logistics in several ways, including through data collection. For instance, Mecalux’s Easy WMS warehouse management system features WMS for 3PL, a module that facilitates decision-making for storage, picking and order shipment. The software synchronises all operations and enables inventory filtering based on factors such as expiry dates, location and quantity. These capabilities help businesses allocate resources in an environmentally responsible way, contributing to more sustainable warehouses.

Companies that outsource their logistics operations can boost their efficiency by partnering with sustainable 3PLs

How to reduce carbon footprint with a sustainable 3PL

The carbon footprint represents the volume of greenhouse gases produced by the way we live our lives. The supply chain is one of the industrial and economic activities that contribute to these emissions, making it crucial to choose 3PL providers that prioritise sustainability in their logistics operations. 3PL sustainability involves minimising waste generation, promoting recycling, using alternative fuels and selecting eco-friendly suppliers, among other practices.

Companies can improve their efficiency by partnering with sustainable 3PL providers that track their emissions. Potential improvements comprise increasing the fill rate of each transport unit to economise fuel use, utilising higher-capacity transport means and transitioning to greener energy sources.

What are the benefits of sustainable 3PL?

Sustainable 3PL benefits extend beyond minimising the carbon footprint impact. They include:

Optimised energy spending. Environmentally conscious 3PL providers understand that the design and organisation of their warehouses impact the environment and ecosystems. As such, leading companies prioritise energy-efficient storage systems.
More sustainable transport. Environmentally conscious logistics operators employ inventory slotting techniques and apply the most efficient routes for freight, whether by air, sea or road. They may also choose sustainable vehicles to limit the environmental impact of transporting goods.
Green packaging. Government regulations and growing ecological awareness in society have led to the rise of sustainable packaging. 3PLs are responsible for preparing products for shipment and managing the disposal of packaging materials, so it’s essential to work with those that comply with environmental regulations.
Improved operational efficiency. The most competitive 3PL providers stay ahead of the curve by optimising their processes with real-time tracking technologies and WMS software. This helps avoid order errors and delays, speeding up delivery and positively impacting customer satisfaction.
Lower costs. Prioritising energy efficiency and reducing fuel usage lead to lower costs for 3PL operators. Waste reduction strategies (i.e., using sustainable packaging materials) can further cut expenses. As a result, these providers can share the savings with their partners.

Pallet Shuttle systems help reduce the space required for refrigeration in cold-storage and freezer warehouses — Pallet Shuttle systems help minimise the space required for refrigeration in cold-storage and freezer warehouses

What are the main trends of sustainable 3PLs?

Beyond digitalising traditionally paper-based processes, 3PL providers can make their everyday operations kinder to the planet in several ways.

Energy-efficient storage systems. Upgrading conventional warehouses is a key step toward greener operations. One example is Mecalux’s semi-automated Pallet Shuttle system. This high-density solution enables compact storage of large quantities of pallets per SKU. By taking up less space, the Pallet Shuttle system reduces the surface area to be refrigerated in cold storage and freezer warehouses, contributing to energy savings.
Green vehicles. Using hybrid or electric fleets cuts carbon emissions and decreases reliance on fossil fuels. Lorries and vans can also become more eco-friendly with route optimisation systems. These apps incorporate advanced algorithms that factor in weather, traffic and other variables to determine the most efficient routes.
Waste reduction. 3PL sustainability also involves using recycled or biodegradable packaging materials and optimising parcel sizes to minimise the environmental impact of logistics operations.

Power your sustainable 3PL journey with Mecalux

3PL providers specialise in providing services tailored to the needs of the companies they support. They streamline logistics operations so their clients can focus on enhancing other departments.

With decades of experience, the Mecalux Group has equipped warehouses for a wide range of 3PLs — from local operators to global industry leaders. If you’re a logistics provider and you need guidance on selecting the storage solution best aligned with your business, be sure to contact us. Our experts will offer you a personalised, competitive solution.