Logistics providers have long been the backbone of global fashion distribution, but the requirements for success are changing fast. Forward-thinking third-party logistics (3PL) providers are reassessing and optimising their operations, empowering brands and partners to bring sustainable solutions to life. This is essential to proactively address the environmental and social impacts of fashion throughout the entire supply chain.
In the latest Beyond Threads webinar, Ron Thijssen, Bleckmann’s Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility, discusses how our sustainability strategy was created and the progress we’re making towards our goals.
Choosing the right 3PL partner
Navigating your brand’s sustainability journey alone is a tough task, particularly when not every logistics partner has the expertise or capabilities to make sustainability a core business priority. Selecting a 3PL partner that’s already invested in the necessary sustainability infrastructure, advanced data systems and comprehensive compliance frameworks can accelerate your progress significantly. “What started as a moral imperative has become a competitive necessity,” says Ron. “Brands increasingly evaluate logistics partners not just on speed and cost, but on commitment to sustainability and an ability to help them achieve their environmental and social goals.”
Listen To Audio Only
The key pillars of sustainable logistic
As an extension of your brand, your 3PL must understand your approach to sustainability and be positioned to help you achieve your goals. Successful partnerships require alignment between your logistics provider and your brand’s values. There are two main areas to evaluate: environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
Environmental stewardship focuses on areas such as carbon footprinting, transparent reporting and greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies. Your goals may require adjustments to transport and last-mile delivery methods, so ensuring your 3PL can accommodate these changes while maintaining service excellence is vital. Social responsibility addresses how companies interact with groups such as communities and employees, as well as the broader societal impacts of their activities.
Sustainability as an ongoing journey
As regulations evolve and new technologies emerge, sustainability represents a continuous journey of improvement, adaptation, and innovation for forward-thinking brands. The fashion industry’s waste challenges didn't develop overnight, and it won’t be solved overnight either. However, the logistics companies now leading transformation prove that with the right approach, being part of the solution is possible.
Many brands that were ‘early adopters’ in sustainability early have been able to establish themselves as recognised front-runners in the industry. And while it’s important to celebrate success, it’s equally important to acknowledge the significant work that remains. “We want to be recognised as the most sustainable logistics service provider in the fashion and lifestyle space,” concludes Ron. “But we also know it’s not going to happen overnight – we have to keep working hard and improving in order to help our brands deliver sustainable solutions.”
Press play on this Beyond Threads webinar to find out more about Bleckmann’s corporate social responsibility strategy and how we’re helping more of our clients to accelerate their own sustainability journeys!
