We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
  • INDUSTRY PRESS ROOM
  • SUBMISSIONS
  • MEDIA FILE
  • Create Account
  • Sign In
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Newsletters
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • CSCMP EDGE 2022 Startup Alley
    • Upload your video
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • Reflections
      • SCQ Forum
    • Mobile Apps
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • CSCMP EDGE 2022 Startup Alley
    • Upload your video
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • Reflections
      • SCQ Forum
    • Mobile Apps
Home » Greening the supply chain
CSCMP EDGE 2020

Greening the supply chain

From electric vehicles to right-sized packaging, UPS continues to lead the way in sustainability, conference session shows.

UPS is greening the supply chain
September 21, 2020
Supply Chain Quarterly Staff
No Comments

By the end of this year, a quarter of all the vehicles UPS purchases annually will be powered by alternative fuel or advanced technology, according to Peter Harris, director of sustainability for the transportation and logistics giant. And though that’s just one measure of the company’s far-reaching efforts to promote a sustainable supply chain, it’s an important milestone that speaks to the growing importance of environmentally friendly business practices in the broader industry.

Harris talked about UPS’ company-wide sustainability efforts in an educational session at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals’ (CSCMP) Annual Conference Monday afternoon. Titled “Sustainability and Supply Chain,” the session was presented by the Wall Street Journal and hosted by Robert Welch, the Journal’s vice president of enterprise media and partnerships.

In a question-and-answer format, Harris and Welch covered UPS’ sustainability efforts across its transportation and facilities operations, pointing to investments in electric vehicle technology, alternative fuels, robotics, and packaging operations, among other areas. Some highlights: 

  • Governmental changes are helping the firm make a dent in its effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging more walking and cycling in cities across Europe. In many places, Harris said, UPS is using walkers and cyclists to handle a large portion of last-mile deliveries, reducing the number of vehicles in operation.

  • The company continues to invest in alternative fuels, particularly renewable natural gas (RNG). Earlier this spring, UPS agreed to a multi-year purchase of RNG that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its ground fleet by more than 1 million metric tons, for instance.

  • The company will continue to expand its investment in electric vehicles, Harris said, saying that electrification is “the biggest single technology shift we are engaged in right now and will be for the medium-term future.” 

  • Packaging is taking center stage as well. A partnership with right-sized packaging firm Packsize is helping to reduce the company’s use of cardboard and helping it save space in vehicles. The company also has a packaging design and testing lab aimed at developing an eco-friendly packaging program. 

Energy
KEYWORDS cscmp UPS
  • Related Articles

    Truckload traffic jumps as shippers move freight away from Hurricane Laura

    Hurricane Sally wreaks havoc on roads and interstates along Florida-Alabama line

    Holiday peak season could be snarled by capacity shortage as pandemic forces e-commerce spike

Recent Articles by Supply Chain Quarterly Staff

Freightos completes plan to go public on NASDAQ exchange, raises $80 million

Retailers lose visibility as they outsource last-mile delivery, FarEye says

WiseTech buys New Hampshire drayage and trucking visibility software firm for $230 million

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular Articles

  • Forecasts call for freight rate slumps in 2023

  • Projected U.S. recession in early 2023 will soften freight market

  • Inflation drops again as interest rate hikes hit home, NRF says

  • How to avoid the next crisis: A new approach to supply chain agility

  • Five levers to build a resilient supply chain

Featured Video

20221107korber large vs

Enhancing Customer Experience with Your Supply Chain Strategy

Viewer Contributed
With the rise of e-commerce, many businesses have had to transform their warehouses to handle online orders in addition to regularly scheduled inventory shipments. This means warehouses need more information than ever before to ensure they can meet customers' needs. As a result, companies need to select warehouse...

FEATURED WHITE PAPERS

  • Guide to Pallet Rack Safety

  • 3PLs: Complete Orders Faster with Flexible Automation

  • A shipper's guide to navigating post-pandemic holiday freight

  • THE NEW WAY TO WAREHOUSE: 4 Innovations in Automation & Robotics to Boost Warehouse Productivity

View More

Subscribe to Supply Chain Quarterly

Get Your Subscription
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • E-NEWSLETTERS
  • ADVERTISING
  • CUSTOMER CARE
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT
  • STAFF
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright ©2023. All Rights ReservedDesign, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing