Bleckmann, a specialist in supply chain management for fashion and lifestyle brands, has achieved the highest possible rating – four stars – within the Lean & Green programme, Europe’s largest programme for CO₂ reduction in transport and logistics. This achievement marks an important step towards making the company’s logistics operations more sustainable and demonstrates that sustainability is becoming ever more firmly embedded in Bleckmann’s way of working. It also shows that, for Bleckmann, sustainability is not a ‘one-off’ project, but an ongoing process of improvement and an integral part of the company’s strategy.
Insight as the basis for improvement
The Lean & Green stars are awarded to organisations that demonstrably and systematically reduce their logistical impact. Since the baseline measurement in 2018, Bleckmann has achieved a CO₂ reduction of almost 40% in outbound transport.
To gain a firm grasp of reliable data from carriers, interpret it accurately and provide insight into the various logistics flows, Bleckmann developed its own monitoring tool.
The tool makes it possible to monitor performance systematically and gain a better understanding of it. In 2024, the tool was validated in accordance with the international ISO 14083 standard. This approach also enables Bleckmann to support its customers more effectively: by providing insight into their logistical CO₂ impact and helping them make more informed choices within their supply chain. This is achieved on a scale of over 20 million parcels per year, managed by Bleckmann.
Working together for the best results
Achieving the fourth Lean & Green star is the result of close collaboration within the organisation and with external partners, in which data and insight have played a key role. “The real challenge lies not only in collecting and analysing data, but above all in jointly understanding what that data means,” says Ron Thijssen, CSR manager at Bleckmann. “Collaboration is essential in this regard. At the same time, this requires making choices. For me, sustainable leadership isn’t about even more analysis, but about making a timely decision and remaining committed to it,” continues Thijssen. “What makes this achievement special, in my view, is the combination of scale and collaboration. With more than 20 million parcels a year, this shows that real progress can be made even within a complex operation.”
