Green logistics is a model focused on reducing the environmental impacts of logistics operations. This involves using less polluting vehicles, sustainable packaging, and optimized routes, aiming to combine efficiency with environmental responsibility.
With increasing concerns about climate and the planet’s future, solutions of this kind are expanding globally. In Brazil, a report by Grand View Research indicates that this market is already worth $41 billion.
Additionally, projections show an annual growth of 7.2% until 2030, when total revenues are expected to reach $61 billion. Globally, various initiatives are being adopted to promote greater environmental balance in logistics.
Data reveals the global scenario of green logistics
The global green logistics market is valued at $1.5 trillion, according to Grand View Research, and is projected to reach $2.3 trillion by 2030. The expected annual growth rate is 8.1% starting in 2025.
Among the main factors driving this progress are the pursuit of stricter environmental regulations, technological innovations, and increased demand for sustainable practices among consumers and businesses.
In the logistics sector, warehousing is the area growing fastest in sustainable solutions, accounting for 37% of the value. Regarding transportation, road vehicles represent 40% of revenues.
Among the most prominent global initiatives are the European Union’s environmental policies, such as the Green Deal, the U.S. energy transition plan, and China’s commitments to zero carbon emissions.
In Brazil, sustainability in the sector was discussed in April as one of the topics at Intermodal, the main logistics event in Latin America.
Examples of initiatives promoting environmental balance
With the support of technology, logistics companies in Brazil and worldwide adopt various practices to promote sustainability in the sector. The main examples are:
- Optimized routes: planning that makes transportation more efficient, reducing fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.
- Reverse logistics: strategy that reuses materials and ensures proper waste disposal at the end of a product’s lifecycle.
- Sustainable fleets: prioritization of less polluting vehicles and better cargo utilization to reduce the number of trips and environmental impact.
- Eco-friendly packaging: reduction in packaging use and preference for recyclable or biodegradable materials to minimize waste generation.
- Green supply chain: selection of partners who adopt sustainable practices and use eco-friendly raw materials, strengthening the environmental agenda.
Trends for 2025
Given the current scenario and agreements planned for the coming years, green logistics is expected to continue advancing, aligned with the global sustainability movement. Among the key trends for 2025 are:
- Alternative fuels and electric vehicles: adoption of clean fuels and electric vehicles to reduce emissions in the logistics chain.
- Carbon-neutral storage: new warehousing centers aim to neutralize emissions through green technologies and environmental offsets.
- AI-optimized routes: solutions that enhance route planning, saving fuel and reducing environmental impact.
- Expanded reverse logistics: companies increase the collection and reuse of packaging and products, minimizing waste and promoting a circular economy.
- Green supply chain: sustainable integration among suppliers, prioritizing eco-friendly materials and responsible practices throughout the chain.
These practices contribute to reducing pollution in logistics activities in the long term, promoting greater operational efficiency and lower environmental impact.
