How to reconcile CO₂ reduction targets with the efficiency of logistics operations?

Implementing CO₂ emission reduction solutions is becoming a key element of the development strategy for many companies. More and more organizations are analyzing the carbon footprint of their supply chains and seeking tangible opportunities to reduce it. Green initiatives are not only a response to climate challenges but also a way to build a competitive advantage. Customers and business partners expect actions aligned with ESG principles, and companies that implement them gain real benefits: higher scores in tenders and on rating platforms (e.g., EcoVadis, SupplierAssurance), access to preferential financing (loans, grants, subsidies), lower operational costs, and greater interest from investors and customers.

The need to decarbonize supply chains is also confirmed by market analyses. According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, warehousing and transportation logistics account for 11% of global CO₂ emissions, which is why companies are increasingly focusing their efforts in this area. McKinsey's analysis shows that as many as 70% of companies are willing to pay more for more sustainable logistics solutions. However, for businesses, it is crucial that green initiatives not only reduce emissions but also enhance operational efficiency. That’s why it is so important to implement solutions tailored to a company’s specific needs. At Rohlig SUUS Logistics, we carry out such projects through our Supply Chain Solutions service—we analyze the customers’ logistics processes and recommend specific actions that align environmental and business goals.

Optimizing existing operations

The first step in reducing the carbon footprint in transport is optimizing operations, which can bring quick and measurable results. One such solution is identifying the so-called gravity point—the most optimal location for a logistics center, taking into account the customer’s production facilities, sourcing markets, and customer base. This leads to shorter routes and fewer transshipments. Equally important is reducing empty miles  and maximizing load capacity by consolidating shipments from different customers and ensuring return loads.

Efficient use of rail transport

Rail is the most environmentally friendly mode of transport, and intermodal solutions allow for its efficient use. How? Throughout the supply chain, we use a single loading unit—a container or intermodal trailer. This enables seamless transitions between transport modes without the need for reloading, which increases operational efficiency and safety. That’s why intermodal transport is the optimal solution for deliveries to and from seaports as well as for international shipments. Rail is used for the longest land sections and trucks for the first and last mile. This allows us to quickly achieve emissions reductions without incurring high costs. We’re seeing strong customer interest in this transport option. It’s important to emphasize that efficient intermodal operations require the right infrastructure—rail lines and transshipment terminals. SUUS’s experience shows that the most effective international routes include Italy, where CO₂ emissions can be reduced by over 77%, and the Benelux countries—up to 82%.

Thanks to intermodal solutions, in 2024 we achieved a 66% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to carrying out these transports exclusively by road. The avoided emissions correspond to the amount of CO₂ absorbed annually by approximately 193,067 trees.

Electric vehicles and HVO 100 instead of diesel

Electrification of transport offers great potential for CO₂ reduction. Courier companies are already well advanced in this area, due to the relatively small and lightweight parcels they handle and the short, mostly urban routes they operate.

As part of our SUUS EXPERT solution, we use electric vehicles for last-mile pallet deliveries. Besides emissions reduction, e-mobility enables more flexible route planning (e.g., nighttime city deliveries, access to low-emission zones) and moves us toward cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable urban logistics.

Challenges remain for the use of electric trucks in heavy-duty transport. At present, this solution faces many limitations, including a lack of charging infrastructure, short driving ranges, and high vehicle investment costs. Given the still-high costs and infrastructure and technology barriers, close and long-term cooperation among supply chain participants is essential. That’s why at SUUS, in collaboration with our customers, we focus on the effective use of electric trucks in short-distance shuttle connections (e.g., between a warehouse and a factory) or in dedicated projects. The key is to match vehicle range with route length and ensure a steady, repeatable volume.

Electrification isn’t the only path forward. One of the most effective and widely used solutions in many European countries for reducing road transport emissions is HVO100. This is a second-generation synthetic biofuel made from vegetable oils and waste, which can fully replace conventional diesel in most modern trucks. It enables a minimum 80% reduction in emissions compared to B0 diesel. However, a challenge remains in Poland due to limited refueling infrastructure. That’s why SUUS offers two models of cooperation: beyond the physical use of HVO100 in operations, we also provide formal attribution of emissions reductions, confirmed by a certificate.

Low-emission and efficient logistics as a competitive advantage

At SUUS, we focus on tangible actions in the field of logistics and transport decarbonization—that ensure both emission reductions and business efficiency for our clients. In our view, this is what true climate credibility means. It is also a key pillar of our ESG strategy that allows us to achieve our decarbonization goals. Notably, we are one of the few Polish companies in the TSL sector whose targets have been approved by the SBTi.