The rise in sustainable consumption has significantly reshaped Vietnam’s business landscape, compelling companies to adapt their strategies and operations to meet evolving consumer demands. This trend is evidenced by Rakuten Insight’s survey on sustainable consumption in 2023, which found that 61% of Vietnamese consumers are shifting towards more environmentally friendly shopping behaviours.
This shift in sustainability aligns with KPMG Vietnam’s 2022 Customer Experience Excellence (CEE) report, showing that 93% of consumers are more inclined to pay more for products from businesses committed to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. Such trends highlight the importance of adopting sustainability in business practices, such as implementing eco-friendly shipping solutions like those offered by DHL Express Vietnam.
Eco-friendly shipping involves using sustainable methods and materials throughout logistics to minimise environmental impact. This approach encompasses everything from biodegradable packaging and reduced emissions in transportation to efficient route planning and renewable energy sources in logistics operations.
Adopting environmentally friendly shipping solutions enables businesses to contribute to the preservation of the environment and align with global sustainability standards, which are increasingly becoming a benchmark not just for customers, but also international trade and business operations. In fact, 36% of companies surveyed by Forrester Research plan to cut ties with partners unable to meet shared sustainability goals.
Following these insights, we’ve provided a list of eco-friendly shipping tips to help businesses in Vietnam adapt to these sustainability shifts and meet the evolving expectations of today’s commercial market.
How to make your shipping methods more eco-friendly
In today's environmentally conscious landscape, adopting sustainable logistics for your business operations is not just advantageous—it's essential. Below, we outline strategies to align your shipping methods with the increasing demand for eco-friendly solutions.
1. Use sustainable packaging
Adopting sustainable packaging can significantly reduce environmental impact and align your businesses with eco-conscious needs.
Explore these five innovative and environmentally friendly packaging solutions to enhance your business’s sustainability efforts.
- Custom biodegradable/compostable containers and bags: These eco-shipping materials are designed to break down naturally, leaving no harmful residues behind. Compostable containers are suitable for packaging food items like prepared meals and baked goods. Compostable bags, on the other hand, are ideal for packaging loose bulk supplies such as coffee beans, loose tea leaves, spices, and grains. They can also be used in retail for small fashion items like accessories, jewellery, and other lightweight goods.
- Recycled paper box packaging: Opting for recycled packaging boxes or corrugated cardboard boxes combines durability with environmental responsibility. These eco-friendly packaging boxes can package electronics, beauty products, and small home appliances. They are designed to offer reliable protection of goods for local or overseas shipping.
- Spare paper: Utilise shredded spare paper for wrapping or cushioning, offering a recyclable alternative to plastic bubble wrap. Best for items that are not overly fragile but still require protection during shipping, such as hardcover books, craft supplies, and non-fragile clothing items (e.g. cotton shirts and denim jeans) packaged in recyclable boxes.
- Cornstarch packaging: Derived from corn grain, cornstarch packaging is a biodegradable material that can substitute conventional plastics. This innovative material is used for packing lightweight, non-fragile items, such as clothing and cosmetics. Its versatility also extends to the food industry, which can be used for items like confectionery, dry snacks, or takeaway food.
- Mushroom packaging: This ecological packaging, made from mycelium – the root structure of mushrooms – and combined with agricultural waste, is an effective cushioning material. It is ideal for electronic devices, delicate glassware, and ceramics. Its natural composition allows it to be moulded into various shapes and sizes, making it a versatile option for securing items in place.
Embracing these sustainable packaging options for shipping not only reduces your carbon footprint but also communicates your brand's commitment to sustainability, positively impacting consumer perception. This strategy is critical in drawing new customers who prioritise eco-friendly practices and, in turn, nurtures loyalty among your clientele by resonating with their environmental values.
2. Offer sustainable options for return logistics
The journey of a product doesn't necessarily end upon its initial delivery, particularly in the e-commerce sector, where an average return rate of 30% is observed. Such high rates necessitate additional packaging and logistics efforts to facilitate item returns, which may contribute to a larger environmental footprint.
Considering this statistic emphasises the importance of implementing eco-friendly packaging for shipping into business practices. Businesses can opt for the previously mentioned reusable packaging options to achieve sustainable return logistics effectively, providing customers with an environmentally responsible way to return products.
For instance, recyclable corrugated cardboard boxes are ideal exterior packaging due to their robustness and ability to withstand multiple uses. For enhanced protection, businesses can turn to mushroom packaging. Its adaptability to encase products snugly means returning items is as simple as fitting them into their original, custom-shaped packaging.
Additionally, incentivising customers to participate in this sustainable return process is also an excellent strategy. Businesses might consider offering discounts on future purchases, loyalty points, or other rewards for customers who return items using the original packaging. This method motivates customers to engage in eco-shipping practices and fosters a positive brand image and customer loyalty.
By adopting these practices, businesses can reduce environmental impact while also easing the repackaging process for consumers, positioning themselves as responsible and customer-centric brands.
Businesses aiming for sustainable return logistics can partner with DHL Express Vietnam, which provides sustainable shipping and packaging solutions. This collaboration facilitates navigating green logistics, from packaging to return shipping.
