Section outline

  • The global e-commerce market, growing rapidly since 2020, is projected to continue grow in coming years. Delivery for e-commerce purchases has stimulated innovation in urban logistics, thus bringing a revolution to urban logistics. The POLIS – ALICE Joint Guide has recognised a trend – consumers are increasingly requesting information on how products are delivered, retailers responses to customer awareness by showing transport CO2 impacts and offering green delivery methods. “When information on sustainability is provided for the delivery options, there is already a positive impact on consumers decision.” Hans Schurmans, Director Logistics operations at Proximus and ALICE Urban Logistics Co-Chair.

    Project objectives

    The GreenTurn project aims to address the lack of transparency around the environmental impact of e-commerce deliveries and returns, by developing and testing more sustainable and zero-emission logistics solutions. Bringing together a diverse consortium of stakeholders, the project seeks to provide consumers and businesses with reliable information and practical tools to support more sustainable delivery and return choices.

    GreenTurn combines behavioural interventions, such as incentives, nudges and gamification, with sustainable delivery and return options, including alternative delivery modes, Pick-Up and Drop-Off (PUDO) points, consolidated deliveries and reusable packaging. The project applies a design-thinking approach and tests these solutions through five complementary pilots in Poland, Spain, France, Greece and Austria.

    Within these pilots, GreenTurn develops and tests a range of solutions addressing different aspects of sustainable e-commerce and urban logistics:

    Key innovation areas

    • Zero-emission logistics: Advanced logistics systems will enable pilots to offer an average of 82% of delivery and return options as zero emission.
    • Social sustainability: The pilots will also address issues such as customer accessibility and the working conditions of logistics employees.
    • Behavioural interventions: Solutions will be based on behavioural insights to encourage more sustainable consumer choices.
    • Policy impact: GreenTurn will work with public authorities to translate findings into long-term policies that ensure uptake and impact across Europe.

    Project duration: 1 August 2024 - 31 July 2027