Green logistics is a model focused on reducing the environmental impacts of logistics operations. This involves the use of less polluting vehicles, sustainable packaging, and optimized routes, seeking to combine efficiency with environmental responsibility.
With increasing concerns related to climate and the future of the planet, 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, the forecast is for annual growth of 7.2% until 2030, when total revenues are expected to reach $61 billion. On the global stage, various initiatives have been adopted to promote greater environmental balance in logistics.
Data reveals the scenario of green logistics worldwide
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 advancement 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 the 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 environmental policies of the European Union, 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 that promote environmental balance
With the support of technology, logistics companies in Brazil and worldwide adopt various practices to foster sustainability in the sector. The main examples are:
- Optimized routes: planning that makes transportation more efficient, reducing fuel consumption and the emission of polluting gases.
- Reverse logistics: strategy that reuses materials and ensures proper disposal of waste 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 that adopt sustainable practices and use eco-friendly raw materials, strengthening the environmental agenda.
Trends for 2025
Given the current scenario and the 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 their 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 expand the collection and reuse of packaging and products, minimizing waste and encouraging the 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.
