A sustainable approach in every sector of the economy is the need of the hour, given the rising environmental concerns and the drastic impact of climate change. eCommerce is the fastest evolving business globally, which is also responsible for generating severe impact on the environment through transportation emissions and carbon footprints generated by the vast supply chains.
Businesses are now exploring various facets of running their eCommerce business with an environmentally-conscious approach, which is a positive step towards creating a safe and sustainable eCommerce landscape.
There are several ways to make your eCommerce shipping more sustainable, including the reuse of recycled materials, choosing energy-efficient shipping methods, and offsetting carbon emissions. Recycled materials can be used for packaging, as well as for shipping labels and other materials.
In this blog, we will further discuss the top five ways to make eCommerce shipping more sustainable.
Why Sustainable E-com Shipping Solutions are Important?
One of the most important aspects of operating a successful eCommerce business is sustainable shipping. In today’s world, customers are increasingly interested in buying from companies that provide green and sustainable products and services. As such, eCommerce businesses need to ensure that their shipping practices are sustainable.
5 Best Ways to Make eCommerce Shipping Sustainable
1. Use reusable or biodegradable packaging
A great way to make your eCommerce shipping solution more sustainable is to use reusable packaging. This could include the use of reusable boxes or even reusable bags. The use of biodegradable materials for packing peanuts or even biodegradable bubble wrap is a great alternative.
2. Buy carbon offsets
The shipping industry is the largest greenhouse gas emitter and a major contributor to climate change. Offsetting these emissions is one way to make eCommerce more sustainable. By buying carbon offsets, you can help finance projects that reduce emissions, such as planting trees or investing in renewable energy. This can help offset the emissions from your shipping and make a positive impact on the environment.
3. Use a better return management process
The returns management process is a key element in making eCommerce shipping more sustainable. By managing returns effectively, businesses can reduce the environmental impact of their operations and make their customers’ shopping experiences more convenient. This begins with a clear understanding of customer needs and expectations. By understanding why customers return items, businesses can develop strategies to reduce the likelihood of returns.
4. Revise Last mile delivery
The last mile delivery is the process of getting goods from a transportation hub to the final destination. In eCommerce shipping, the last mile delivery can be a challenge due to the lack of infrastructure and the reliance on third-party carriers. Last-mile delivery can be more sustainable if it is done by using alternative modes of transportation, such as bicycles or electric vehicles. This can reduce fuel emissions and traffic congestion, while also providing a more efficient delivery service.
5. Use eco-friendly shipping methods
Eco-friendly shipping methods help to make eCommerce shipping more sustainable by reducing the environmental impact of transportation. This can be done through a variety of means, such as using recycled materials for packaging, investing in more fuel-efficient vehicles, or using alternative energy sources for powering ships and trucks. Such efforts not only help to protect the environment but can also save businesses money in the long run. In addition, eco-friendly shipping methods can help to build customer loyalty and goodwill, as more and more consumers seek out companies that are contributing towards a greener environment.
What is a 3PL company & its benefit to the eCom businesses?
A third-party logistics company (3PL) provides eCommerce logistics services to businesses, encompassing warehousing, order processing, and distribution. 3PL providers typically specialize in integrated operation, warehousing, and transportation services that can be scaled and customized to customers’ needs based on market conditions.
3PL companies like NimbusPost offer a wide range of services that include transportation, warehousing, cross-docking, inventory management, packaging and assembly, freight forwarding, customs brokerage, order fulfillment, and distribution.
Benefits of 3PL for eCom shipping solutions
eCommerce businesses can benefit greatly from working with a 3PL logistics company.
- A 3PL can help streamline order fulfillment and delivery, saving the business time and money
- A 3PL can provide valuable insights into the shipping process
- It can help in improving efficiency and reducing costs
- Working with a 3PL like NimbusPost provides automated and end-to-end shipping solutions to businesses
- It reduces the cost of running a warehousing facility.
- It helps to expand market reach and exposure to diverse customers
- It allows business to dedicate their time to other business operations
- It enables you to better serve your customers with competitive delivery services.
How to choose the right eCom shipping solution partner?
There are a few things to consider when choosing the right eCommerce shipping solution partner for your business. The first is to make sure they have experience with the type of industry you deal with. You’ll also want to consider their shipping rates and transit times. Finally, it’s important to choose a partner that offers excellent customer support in case of shipment delays. By following these tips, you can wisely pick the compatible and the right eCommerce shipping partner for your business.
The most important factor is experience. You’ll want to choose a partner that has needful experience in the shipping industry. In addition, experienced shipping partners will often offer competitive rates and transit times.
Conclusion
Making eCommerce shipping solutions more sustainable is necessary for ensuring a safe environment. Sustainable shipping practices can help eCommerce businesses save money and cut down on carbon footprints. By following the tips mentioned above, you can make sure that you find the right eCommerce shipping solution for your business.