Pioneering new pathways towards net-zero goals

Pioneering new pathways towards net-zero goals

The logistics industry is witnessing companies integrate sustainability into their core operations, beyond meeting regulatory demands—it reflects a growing recognition that sustainable practices drive operational efficiencies, cost savings, and long-term resilience.

Fardeen Malbarwala, Director of Galaxy Freight, emphasised the need for a holistic approach: “Sustainability in cargo is no longer about incremental changes. We must adopt systems thinking, where every decision—from sourcing materials to optimising routes—contributes to reducing emissions and waste.

“Customers and regulators are demanding accountability, and it is up to us to deliver.”

Alternative strategies

With aviation and shipping accounting for significant greenhouse gas emissions, the adoption of sustainable fuels like biofuels, synthetic fuels, and hydrogen is gaining momentum.

Capt. Atuldutt Sharma, Managing Director – India & Head of Sales for Hoegh Autoliners, elaborated on the potential of alternative fuels and its implementation: “Shipping and air cargo need to transition to cleaner energy sources.

“At Hoegh Autoliners, we are exploring the use of biofuels and experimenting with wind-assisted propulsion to reduce carbon intensity. While the adoption of alternative fuels comes with high upfront costs, the long-term benefits for the environment and operational efficiency are undeniable.”

Green innovations

Air cargo, which plays a critical role in global supply chains, faces unique challenges in reducing its environmental impact. From electrified ground operations to optimised flight paths, airlines are exploring a range of measures to reduce their carbon footprint.

Shankar Iyer, Director Sales & Handling South Asia at Lufthansa Cargo, spoke about the airline’s efforts to incorporate sustainability into its operations: “We have implemented several initiatives, such as optimising flight loads, adopting fuel-efficient aircraft, and integrating sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) into our operations.

“Lufthansa Cargo is committed to achieving a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and net-zero by 2050.”

Digitalisation and data-driven

Technology emerged as another crucial enabler of sustainability during the discussion. From predictive analytics to blockchain for supply chain transparency, digital tools are helping companies identify inefficiencies and implement greener practices.

Samit Datta, Global Chief Supply Chain & Technology Officer at PGP Glass stated: “Data-driven insights allow us to pinpoint emissions hotspots and address them with precision. For instance, AI-powered route optimisation tools can significantly reduce fuel consumption. Blockchain technology is enhancing transparency in supply chains, ensuring that sustainability claims are credible and verifiable.”

Collaboration and the circular economy

The panel emphasised that achieving sustainability goals requires collaboration across the supply chain. Companies must work with suppliers, customers, and logistics providers to implement practices that minimise waste and promote resource efficiency.

Subodh Nagarsekar, Vice President – Procurement and Supply Chain at Rentokil Initial, explained the concept of the circular economy: “Adopting circular practices—such as reusing materials, recycling waste, and designing products for longevity—can significantly reduce environmental impact.

“At Rentokil Initial, we are actively engaging with our supply chain partners to ensure that sustainability is embedded at every stage of the product lifecycle.”

Operational efficiency with environmental goals

For many companies, the challenge lies in balancing operational efficiency with environmental goals. Optimising logistics networks, reducing empty miles, and leveraging multimodal transport are among the strategies being implemented to achieve this balance.

Dhritiman Chakraborty, Director Operations at Ingram Micro, spoke about the importance of operational efficiency and asserted: “Sustainability cannot come at the cost of operational performance.

“By integrating green logistics practices—such as consolidating shipments and prioritising energy-efficient transport modes—we are achieving both environmental and business goals. This dual focus is critical for long-term success.”

Looking forward

While the progress is promising, the panellists acknowledged that the road to net-zero is fraught with challenges. High costs of sustainable fuels, lack of infrastructure, and fragmented regulatory frameworks remain significant barriers.

“Sustainability requires a collective effort—not just within the industry but across policymakers, technology providers, and consumers,” Malbarwala noted.

“Only through collaboration can we overcome the hurdles and ensure that sustainability becomes the new norm, rather than the exception.”

Picture of Ajinkya Gurav

Ajinkya Gurav

With a passion for aviation, Ajinkya Gurav graduated from De Montford University with a Master’s degree in Air Transport Management. Over the past decade, he has written insightful analysis and captivating coverage around passenger and cargo operations. Gurav joined Air Cargo Week as its Regional Representative in 2024. Got news or comment to share? Contact ajinkya.gurav@aircargoweek.com

Newsletter

Stay informed. Stay ahead. To get the latest air cargo news and industry trends delivered directly to your inbox, sign up now!

related articles

USPS says it will resume accepting inbound packages from China, Hong Kong

60 Seconds With… ANDY SULLIVAN, Sales Manager at Cargonet

LEGAL AND LOGISTICAL

WAIT... BEFORE YOU GO

Get the ACW Daily Newsletter for up-to-the-minute news on everything important in the airfreight industry

Logo Air Cargo Week