Guide to sustainable supply chain management during peak season

During India's peak seasons—such as Diwali, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the Christmas-New Year period—businesses experience a surge in consumer demand and delivery pressures.

However, while sales peak during these periods, maintaining sustainable logistics operations poses significant challenges due to increased resource consumption, waste generation, and the complexities involved in rapidly scaling operations. 

As consumer awareness about environmental impact grows and India sets its sights on achieving net zero by 2070¹, it becomes increasingly essential for businesses to devise sustainable supply chain solutions and integrate these practices, especially during these peak seasons.

To help businesses navigate these complexities, we’ve outlined sustainable supply chain management strategies. These strategies help companies maintain eco-friendly operations while effectively meeting market demands.

The importance of sustainable supply chain management in global trade

According to reports by Forbes India, India is the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, pushing nearly 3 billion tonnes annually into the atmosphere as of mid-2024. This stark reality spotlights the urgent need for sustainable practices across industries, particularly in the logistics sector.

With the international shipping industry alone accounting for approximately 3% of global emissions², it becomes crucial for Indian companies to refine their supply chain management strategies to prevent further exacerbated these emissions.

This adjustment will help ensure environmental responsibility and enhance India's appeal to global consumers. In fact, according to PwC's 2024 Voice of the Consumer survey³, which gathered data across 31 countries and territories, 46% of global consumers are increasingly opting for sustainable products to reduce their environmental footprint, with 80% happy to pay more for sustainably sourced or produced goods.

This consumer trend highlights the importance of Indian businesses integrating sustainable supply chain practices, to comply with international trade and sustainability standards and tap into the growing market of environmentally conscious consumers, thereby securing a competitive advantage in the global marketplace.

Green products to differentiate your business

In crowded markets, standing out becomes essential, particularly with many similar products vying for attention. Green products can serve as a critical differentiator. As consumer demand for sustainability grows, businesses can capitalize on this trend by incorporating eco-friendly practices in their product strategies.

For instance, using biodegradable materials or recycled content in packaging can reduce waste and enhance a brand's reputation for environmental stewardship. Moreover, designs that feature reusable elements or are made from upcycled materials can attract eco-conscious consumers, effectively leveraging peak season shopping season to maximize impact and sales.

Integrating these green products and practices with sustainable shipping methods can set a business up for success, aligning with consumer expectations and market trends.

Implementing sustainable shipping practices during peak seasons

Follow these five key strategies to ensure your logistics or supply chain management operations are not only efficient but also environmentally sustainable during the busy peak seasons:

1. Optimize route planning: Utilize advanced logistics software to plan the most efficient delivery routes, which is vital for managing the high volume of shipments during peak periods.
2. Leverage eco-friendly packaging: Shift to lighter, recyclable, or green packaging materials to minimize waste and transportation costs, which spike during high-demand seasons like Diwali, Christmas and New Year.
3. Increase load efficiency: Consolidate shipments to ensure trucks and containers are filled, reducing the required trips.
4. Choose low-emission transport modes: During the high pollution levels of peak season shipping times, prioritize using electric or hybrid vehicles for last-mile deliveries to mitigate the increased carbon footprints.

Embrace sustainable peak season shipping with DHL Express’ green logistics.

As businesses in India gear up for the peak shipping season, the shift towards sustainable logistics becomes paramount. DHL Express is pioneering this transition through robust initiatives to refine sustainable supply chain management strategies. 

In addition to our warehousing efforts, DHL Express has introduced GoGreen Plus to support your sustainability efforts. This innovative service, significantly insets carbon emissions by utilizing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as a substitute for conventional jet fuel. This service is designed to help our customers achieve a 90% reduction in carbon emissions linked to their shipments, making their shipping practices more sustainable.⁴

Furthermore, we help organizations with their scope 3 carbon emissions calculations, which are related to their DHL Express shipments. This allows companies to track and optimize their carbon outputs effectively.

Maximize your competitive edge this peak season by choosing DHL Express India as your courier service for sustainable shipping from India to top export countries. Aligning with global green standards will enhance your competitiveness and appeal in both local and international markets.