A challenge many brands face when scaling up is how to do so without significantly increasing their relative environmental impact. At the same time, both regulators and consumers are increasingly demanding sustainability improvements from brands. It’s therefore critical for companies to adapt and implement more sustainable practices. And partnering with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider specialised in fashion can be an effective way to ensure your growth trajectory is aligned with your sustainability goals.
There are many straightforward ways in which a fashion logistics partner can help your brand reduce its environmental impact. These include reducing the amount of packaging used (e.g. with a custom packaging machine) or introducing recyclable packaging. Another potential solution is the use of renewable energy at distribution centres to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Finally, transportation is another priority area when it comes to reducing your brand’s environmental footprint. For starters, carriers can use route optimisation technology to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. They can also choose less carbon-intensive modes of transport, such as ocean freight or sea-air combinations. Optimising last-mile fulfilment with bicycles or electric vehicles can also bring significant environmental benefits.
Beyond these operational steps, some fashion logistics partners offer more advanced solutions to help brands achieve long-term sustainability gains. For example, integrating circularity into your supply chain can be an effective way to reduce your brand’s carbon footprint by extending the lifespan of garments. Whether it’s damaged returns or clothing that’s been traded in by customers, there are many ways to repair and refurbish garments ready for resale. Bleckmann’s Renewal Workshop has already helped many clients, including Otrium and Karl Lagerfeld, to implement effective circular initiatives. Not only can this help to reduce waste but it can also build stronger connections with eco-conscious customers and improve brand loyalty – in addition to facilitating regulatory compliance.
Discover Bleckmann’s circular solutions here.
