Considered an irreversible global trend, decarbonization is already a reality adopted by various sectors, including companies operating in foreign trade. Essential for reducing the impacts of global warming and consequent climate changes, decreasing and offsetting carbon footprints brings benefits to businesses and society as a whole, as explained by Alexandre Pimenta, CEO of Asia Shipping, the largest logistics integrator in Latin America.
“Decarbonization is a growing demand in the foreign trade market in response to environmental requirements from governments, businesses, and global institutions,” says the executive. To give an idea, the International Maritime Organization, which had already established greenhouse gas reduction percentages, recently set a goal to achieve net-zero emissions by around 2050.
To achieve this, an important first step for any business is to measure all emissions inherent to its activities and seek alternatives to reduce and neutralize these pollutants. “By adopting strategies, it is possible to add more sustainability to the different stages of foreign trade operations,” highlights Pimenta.
1 – Measuring carbon emissions
Considered the initial strategy for companies operating in foreign trade, measuring emissions may seem like a challenge, but according to the CEO of Asia Shipping, there are already technologies capable of effectively meeting this demand.
“Some time ago, following our ESG practices, we updated one of our platforms to facilitate this measurement in our clients’ operations. AS Tracking 2.0, for example, not only offers various operational functionalities such as issuing invoices, payment slips, and value inquiries but also automatically calculates carbon emissions from movements, both by process and those related to specific destinations and origins. This allows companies to make the best decisions
to offset their impacts and consumption of natural resources,” points out the executive.
2 – Use of renewable fuels
Another important point in the race for decarbonizing foreign trade is the use of fuels from renewable sources. In this sense, replacing fossil solutions with clean alternatives such as biofuels, green hydrogen, solar, and wind energy can help significantly reduce the carbon footprint in the sector. “The transition involves both transportation modes and logistics and storage structures,” adds Alexandre.
3 – Logistics optimization and choice of sustainable modes
Just like the energy transition, logistics optimization and the choice of more sustainable modes also impact businesses aiming to reduce their emissions. Maritime transport, which releases fewer emissions compared to air transport, can be a choice in this regard. But movements can also be optimized through the use of innovative technologies, such as real-time cargo tracking systems, which help increase operational efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
4 – Supplier selection
With the aim of promoting decarbonization not only in their own business activities, many companies are concerned with expanding sustainable practices throughout their entire operational chain. For this reason, selecting suppliers that demonstrate the same concerns and commitment to this cause has become a common strategy, widely adopted by companies following international sustainability standards and certifications.
5 – Carbon neutrality initiatives
After measuring and adopting a series of initiatives to help mitigate their carbon emissions, joining programs that allow neutralizing residual emissions can also be part of the net-zero journey for companies operating in foreign trade.
This can be done in various ways, whether through reforestation projects or purchasing carbon credits. There are also businesses that invest in initiatives and projects for renewable energy generation.
“Most importantly, above all, is ensuring the sustainability of operations, balancing inevitable emissions, and leading the legacy of a cleaner future for the next generations,” concludes the CEO of Asia Shipping.
