Sustainable B2B shipping isn’t just a trend—it’s a competitive advantage. Today’s customers demand eco-friendly delivery options, making it essential for businesses to prioritize green logistics. From using low-emission delivery fleets to optimizing delivery routes, discover how your business can make B2B shipping more efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective.
While B2B procurement has long prioritized cost savings, today’s buyers are increasingly factoring in sustainable shipping practices. As eco-friendly logistics become a key differentiator, businesses must align their supply chains with greener delivery solutions to meet evolving customer expectations.
According to a report by Bain & Company1, 36% of B2B buyers would leave suppliers that don’t meet their sustainability expectations. It could be the difference between a customer choosing your business over a competitor’s – or worse, vice versa. Now is the time to review your supply chain practices to see where changes could be made. First up, shipping.
Top Benefits of offering sustainable shipping to B2B customers
Competitive advantage: Only 53% of B2B customers say the sustainable options they are offered by suppliers fully meet their expectations2. This means there is a huge opportunity for businesses to leverage a sustainable shipping strategy to attract these underserved prospects.
Unlock new business opportunities: Many large enterprises now require suppliers to align with their sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. Offering eco-friendly shipping options can strengthen your position during procurement evaluations and open doors to high-value contracts.
Long-term cost savings: Sustainable shipping doesn’t just benefit the planet—it benefits your bottom line. Businesses that optimize delivery routes, adopt eco-friendly packaging, and utilize carbon offset programs can significantly reduce operating costs. Additionally, energy-efficient transport methods lead to lower fuel consumption and fewer emissions.
B2B v B2C shipping
With the growth of B2B e-commerce, buyers are beginning to expect the same speed, convenience, and sustainability they’re used to in B2C transactions. The good news? Due to the nature of the B2B sector, it lends itself well to a sustainable shipping strategy:
1. Shipment size & frequency
B2C sales typically involve frequent, small deliveries – often individual packages – which increases trips and the overall carbon footprint. Yet B2B shipments are typically large and infrequent, allowing for reduced emissions through route optimization.
2. Delivery speed & flexibility
B2B deliveries are usually scheduled in advance, giving room for sustainable planning. In contrast, B2C customers expect fast shipping – including same-day delivery – making it harder to reduce emissions.
3. Order destination
B2B orders are typically delivered to centralized locations like warehouses or distribution centers, rather than scattered individual homes. This makes it easier to consolidate shipments, optimize routes, and reduce the inefficiencies – and emissions – associated with last-mile delivery.
Five strategies for eco-friendly shipping
Low-emissions B2B delivery is not only great for the environment, but also for long-term efficiency, brand reputation, and often cost savings. Here’s a practical breakdown of strategies you can leverage.
1. Switch to sustainable fuels
DHL’s GoGreen Plus is a groundbreaking service that helps businesses reduce the carbon emissions associated with their shipments through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
SAF is a biofuel that is produced from renewable sources such as vegetable oils, animal fats, waste products, and agricultural crops. It can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to fossil fuels. The service can be selected for individual shipments, making it a flexible option for SMEs and e-commerce businesses with smaller cargo loads.
2. Think electric
Electrifying your delivery fleet is one of the most effective ways to reduce logistics-related emissions. At DHL Express, we’re leading the charge with a goal to electrify 66% of our last-mile delivery vehicles by 2030—part of our broader commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
By partnering with DHL Express, your business can offer fast, reliable, and sustainable last-mile delivery. It’s a powerful way to reduce your carbon footprint while showing customers that eco-friendly shipping doesn’t mean compromising on performance.
3. Optimize routes and loads
AI-powered route planning software isn’t just smart – it’s a game-changer. It can help determine the most fuel- and time-efficient routes, allowing drivers to complete multiple deliveries in the quickest, most strategic order. This not only cuts down on fuel consumption and emissions but also improves delivery reliability.
Additionally, consolidate orders whenever possible – grouping deliveries by geographic location or customer helps maximize truck capacity and reduce the number of trips.
4. Reduce your failed delivery rate
Failed deliveries are a huge contributor to your business’s carbon footprint – after all, every unsuccessful attempt clocks up more vehicle emissions (and costs!)
DHL's On-Demand Delivery (ODD) service offers businesses a way to enhance the customer experience in B2B shipping by providing flexible delivery options and real-time tracking. By notifying recipients with delivery status updates and offering alternatives like rescheduling, redirecting, or collecting at a ServicePoint, businesses can reduce failed deliveries and improve customer satisfaction. Win win!
5. Measure, report and improve
Making these changes isn't enough on its own. It’s equally important to measure emissions and efficiency gains. You can leverage tools and software to calculate and report emissions per delivery, helping your business to set goals to reduce them. Be sure to promote your progress and share sustainability metrics with your clients – it could be the difference between them choosing your business over a competitor.
Stand Out with Sustainable B2B Shipping Solutions
Sustainable shipping is rapidly emerging as a key differentiator in B2B logistics. By adopting eco-friendly shipping practices, your business can meet growing customer expectations, enhance brand reputation, and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. Ready to lead the way in sustainable B2B logistics? It starts with opening a DHL Express Business Account.
Enjoy the benefits of DHL Express’ GoGreen Plus solution.
