DHL Express’ carbon-neutral Adelaide Gateway logistics hub

DHL Express Australia takes a major step towards sustainable logistics with the launch of its new carbon-neutral sorting facility in Adelaide. This state-of-the-art logistics hub not only accelerates international shipping times for South Australian customers but also showcases the company's commitment to environmental responsibility.

Exciting news for South Australia! DHL Express Australia has recently unveiled the state-of-the-art, newly relocated Adelaide Gateway logistics sorting centre in the Airport Junction precinct in Young Avenue Netley.

The new hub brings significant benefits for South Australian customers, particularly faster international shipping times to and from Australia, including next-day delivery from Singapore and three-day delivery from Europe. As one of the first carbon-neutral DHL sorting facilities in Australia, it sets a new standard for eco-friendly shipping and logistics nationally and regionally as well.

Read on to find out what makes the Adelaide Gateway facility truly special and how it enhances DHL Express’ global trade connectivity via Australia.

DHL Express' commitment to sustainability

DHL Express has a long-standing commitment to sustainable logistics.

Our Mission 2050: Zero Emissions commitment sets an ambitious target of zero-carbon shipping by the year 2050, with sub-goals such as increasing carbon efficiency by 50% over 2007 levels and operating 70% of owned first- and last-mile services with clean pick-up and delivery solutions¹. This involves a multi-pronged approach, including investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), optimising delivery routes, and promoting the use of electric vehicles in delivery fleets.

The new Adelaide facility perfectly aligns with this vision, reflecting the action plan we’ve put in place to turn our carbon-neutral logistics goals into reality. This commitment to environmental shipping not only benefits the planet but also supports the increasingly environmentally-conscious needs of business and their customers.

A look inside the new carbon-neutral Adelaide Gateway facility

The Adelaide Gateway is more than just DHL Express Australia’s latest logistics sorting centre. It's one of only two DHL warehouses in Australia that combines parcel sorting and delivery operations under one roof, optimising efficiency and reducing its environmental footprint. But what exactly makes it carbon-neutral?

• Solar power: The facility’s roof is equipped with 199 solar panels that generate an estimated 110kWh of renewable energy per hour, significantly reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. These panels are estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 120 tonnes annually.
• Energy efficiency: The building boasts an energy-efficient design, incorporating features like 100% LED lighting, IE3 motors for conveyors, electric forklifts, roof and vertical skylights, and smart building management systems that automatically control electrical consumption to minimise wastage.
• Waste reduction: The facility’s rainwater harvesting system further minimises waste generation and promotes resource recovery.
• Worker safety: A direct-load system enables parcels to be directly manually transferred from the conveyor belt into delivery vehicles, lessening the physical strain on employees.

These features collectively contribute to the shipping facility achieving carbon neutrality, showcasing how smaller sustainable practices can be integrated into large-scale logistics operations for sizeable impact.

Immediate benefits for South Australian customers

Beyond its support of DHL Express’ sustainability goals, the Adelaide Gateway facility offers numerous practical benefits for South Australian customers:

• Increased capacity: The facility's 8,600sqm warehouse space is a fourfold increase from its previous site, allowing DHL Express to handle growing shipment volumes, support the expansion of businesses, and facilitate smoother trade.
• Faster international shipping: Increased peak handling capacity enables shipments to travel directly to Singapore before the next leg of their onward journey, cutting down transit times by a full day. The facility’s new automated sorting system also reduces errors and gets drivers out on the road earlier, further reducing transit times.
• Prime central location: The Adelaide Gateway is located 6km from Adelaide’s Central Business District, 13km from Port Adelaide, 11km from the Adelaide Freight Terminal, and 2.5km from the North-South Corridor – enhancing its connectivity to South Australia’s major freight and logistics hubs. This reduces South Australia’s need to rely on other Australian ports, boosting its resilience and supply chain agility.

These developments are particularly beneficial for businesses involved in time-sensitive industries such as e-commerce; likewise, online shoppers in South Australia can expect faster delivery times and improved reliability for an enhanced overall shopping experience.

Taking the next step in carbon-neutral logistics at the Adelaide Gateway

The new Adelaide Gateway is a testament to DHL Express Australia’s commitment to what environmentally-friendly logistics can be, while still maintaining optimal, fast, and reliable delivery times for businesses and their customers. Tangible benefits such as faster international shipping times and enhanced convenience will reach South Australian customers directly, enhancing Adelaide and South Australia’s overall growth potential amidst the international delivery landscape.

As a leader in carbon-neutral shipping and sustainable logistics, the Adelaide Gateway sorting facility serves as a model for future developments by demonstrating that efficiency and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. Create a business account on DHL Express to get started shipping from this cutting-edge facility, or to find out more about sustainable logistics solutions for small businesses.