The findings of PwC’s inaugural Voice of the Consumer Survey highlight changing attitudes toward responsibly sourced and eco-friendly goods.
Released in May 2024, the findings are based on 15 years of research and insights from over 20,000 shoppers in 31 countries. 46% of respondents reported buying more sustainable products to reduce their personal environmental impact. These evolving attitudes have caught the attention of South African e-commerce businesses, given the growth of online shopping.
Sustainable shipping practices
In 2023, e-commerce represented over 5% of South Africa’s total retail sales, amounting to R1.153 trillion. E-commerce businesses face pressure to adopt sustainable practices.
Consumers increasingly prioritise sustainability, and green shipping practices can significantly enhance brand loyalty. Customers are more likely to support e-commerce platforms that actively reduce their environmental impact.
Sustainable shipping practices have become a key differentiator in the competitive e-commerce market. Local e-commerce businesses are responding, with shipping being one area undergoing significant sustainability transformations. Advanced shipping software contributes meaningfully to environmental benefits and enhanced sustainability efforts.
Key benefits
Key benefits of shipping software include improved address accuracy through geocoding, reducing travel distances and improving customer experiences. Paper waybill use has dropped by 75% on average due to digital shipment management via mobile apps.
Failed delivery attempts are reduced through better location mapping and client communication, saving resources. Shipping route optimisation consolidates shipments, minimising trips and lowering carbon emissions significantly.
Optimised routes cut greenhouse gas emissions while reducing vehicle wear and fuel consumption. Simple changes, like offering pickup points for deliveries, provide eco-friendly alternatives to traditional home delivery. Pickup points consolidate deliveries, reducing the number of trips and vehicle emissions into the atmosphere.
Countries with widespread pickup points see up to 80% of e-commerce deliveries made to shared destinations like parcel lockers.
In conclusion
Eco-friendly packaging is another quick win for sustainability, replacing plastic with biodegradable or recyclable materials. Businesses advised to use minimal plastic and source eco-friendly packaging from local suppliers to reduce emissions.
Consolidating orders and using couriers with efficient shipping software further minimises trips and environmental impact.
Cornel Rautenbach | Head | Technology | Bob Group | mail me |
Related FAQs: Eco-friendly e-commerce shipping and packaging
Q: What are eco-friendly shipping methods?
A: Eco-friendly shipping methods refer to delivery options that minimise environmental impact, such as using electric delivery vehicles, optimising delivery routes to reduce carbon emissions, and choosing carriers that prioritise sustainability.
Q: How can businesses implement eco-friendly packaging?
A: Businesses can implement eco-friendly packaging by selecting sustainable packaging materials, such as biodegradable or recyclable options, and reducing packaging waste by using minimal packaging and innovative designs that protect products without excessive materials.
Q: What are the benefits of using eco-friendly shipping for e-commerce businesses?
A: The benefits of using eco-friendly shipping for e-commerce businesses include reducing the carbon footprint, attracting environmentally conscious consumers, enhancing brand reputation and potentially lowering shipping costs through optimised delivery routes.
Q: How can I find eco-friendly packaging material for my online business?
A: You can find eco-friendly packaging material for your online business by researching suppliers that specialise in sustainable packaging, looking for local manufacturers to reduce transportation emissions and exploring options like recycled mailers and biodegradable packaging.
Q: What impact does shipping have on the environment?
A: Shipping can significantly impact the environment through carbon emissions from delivery vehicles, use of non-recyclable packaging materials and contribution to packaging waste. Adopting eco-friendly shipping practices can help mitigate these effects.
Q: What are some sustainable shipping options for international shipping?
A: Sustainable shipping options for international shipping include choosing carriers that use eco-friendly delivery methods, consolidating shipments to reduce trips, and utilising carbon offset programs to balance out emissions from shipping.
Q: How do delivery methods affect the carbon footprint of e-commerce businesses?
A: Delivery methods significantly affect the carbon footprint of e-commerce businesses; for instance, using slower shipping options can reduce carbon emissions compared to expedited shipping. Additionally, utilising eco-friendly delivery methods can further decrease the environmental impact.
Q: What are last-mile deliveries and how can they be made more eco-friendly?
A: Last-mile deliveries refer to the final step of the delivery process when a package reaches the customer. They can be made more eco-friendly by using electric delivery vehicles, consolidating deliveries to reduce trips and implementing smart logistics to optimise delivery routes.
Q: What role does recyclable packaging play in sustainable e-commerce?
A: Recyclable packaging plays a crucial role in sustainable e-commerce by reducing packaging waste and promoting a circular economy. It allows consumers to recycle materials after use, decreasing the demand for new resources and minimising environmental impact.
Q: How can I create eco-friendly product packaging for my e-commerce store?
A: To create eco-friendly product packaging for your e-commerce store, consider using materials that are biodegradable, recyclable or made from post-consumer waste. Additionally, design your packaging to minimise excess materials and encourage customers to recycle after use.
