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, with a focus on creating sustainable, zero-emission solutions. The project brings together a diverse consortium of stakeholders to co-create a framework that provides transparent and reliable information to e-commerce consumers, enabling them to make more sustainable choices. The project addresses the complexities of calculating emissions across the e-commerce supply chain and aims to create solutions that help both consumers and businesses reduce their environmental impact.
GreenTurn uses design thinking approaches to combine behavioural interventions (such as incentives, nudges, and gamification) with sustainable delivery and return options (such as time windows, in-store pickups, and returnable packaging). Five complementary pilots will be conducted in Poland, Spain, France, Greece, and Austria, involving logistics service providers, marketplaces, and retailers.
Key innovation areas
