Transparency on GHG emissions at logistics locations - shares based on the annual GILA market studies. © Fraunhofer IML

Dobers: Digitalization certainly helps to create transparency so that things can be planned, simulated and optimized in advance. When it comes to AI, it makes it possible to work quickly with large amounts of data, to present forecasts, trends and correlations and to derive recommendations for action and roadmaps based on this. Predictive maintenance is certainly also an issue, including in the area of the circular economy: here, it is possible to work towards extending the life cycle by intelligently predicting things. Other topics include route optimization and route optimization. Regardless of whether it is in the warehouse or on the road.

mfl: How does Fraunhofer IML support companies in promoting the topic of green logistics?

Dobers: That depends very much on who we work with. We advise very different companies, be it shippers, the actual manufacturers or logistics service providers, but also companies from the real estate sector. We try to identify the individual fields of action. This can be of a technological nature, for example, by jointly developing alternative manufacturing processes and products. We also discuss what can be made more circular in terms of the circular economy. We support companies in optimizing their supply chains and introducing reusable systems where it makes sense. What is very strong in my research environment is the methodology for assessing greenhouse gas emissions for logistics chains. We provided specific support in the development of ISO 14083. There, we focused on logistics locations so that these now have to be assessed alongside the actual transportation. Back in 2019, we developed the REff-Tool (R), an online tool that companies can use to assess the energy consumption and GHG emissions of logistics locations if they operate them themselves and therefore have access to primary data. We use this tool in our annual market studies and can prepare the GHG emissions at logistics locations transparently. We have also included a long list of possible measures on how energy efficiency can be increased and GHG emissions reduced at logistics locations. In this way, we are trying to help companies quantify their ecological impact. But we at Fraunhofer IML also help with workplace design when it comes to employee health. The design of order picking stations and the use of exoskeletons are two keywords here. The last mile is of course also an exciting topic for us: mobility and packing stations with the possibility of using alternative means of transportation for deliveries are part of our research work. This helps municipal companies and local authorities to become better in terms of sustainability.

mfl: What trends are emerging for green logistics in the future?

Dobers: Well, renewable energies are definitely an important topic. Whether there are new technologies is one question, but there is also still a need for action in terms of storage options. Because some things are not yet directly available, I think the buzzword "book and claim" is a trend that is now gaining ground. As long as there are not enough renewable fuels, for example, it would be possible to procure something elsewhere and have it attributed to us. Open source is also very relevant for the digitalization of logistics processes. In the context of green logistics, for example, we can mention data transfer along the supply chain, for example to monitor which resources a process or a company consumes and which emissions are associated with this. We are also working successfully with the Open Logistics Foundation in this area. I could also imagine that the resilience of supply chains will be another important topic. At the same time, sufficiency research is also important: we can make logistics green and resource-efficient, but the best logistics is actually the one that doesn't take place. We need to practise moderate consumption and develop moderate production strategies so that we can satisfy our needs without exceeding the ecological limits of our planet.

mfl: Thank you very much for the interview!