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DHL Express’ Global Survey on Small Businesses

  1. Fashion industry is leaning in
    Despite reputational issues, 81% of fashion SMEs rate sustainability as highly important. 78% think offering sustainable delivery would improve brand image.
  2. Financial services are out in front
    They are most likely to say sustainability is extremely important (43%), most willing to allocate budget (88%), and most likely to expect commercial gains from sustainable delivery (47% to a large/very large extent).

Quick start: a 6-step action plan

  1. Map your impact
    List your top emission and waste sources (e.g., packaging, last-mile delivery, returns).
  2. Pick one quick win
    Choose a change you can deliver in 30–60 days (e.g., right-sized packaging, paperless returns, route optimisation).
  3. Set one clear target
    For example: “Reduce packaging material by 20% in three months.”
  4. Choose the right partners
    Ask carriers and suppliers about lower-emission options, consolidated shipments, or greener materials.
  5. Track and share results
    Measure a few simple metrics: packaging per order, delivery emissions per parcel (estimates are fine to start), energy use per month.
  6. Repeat and scale
    Invest the savings into the next step (e.g., recycled materials, renewable energy, electric delivery where available).

How to talk about your progress (without greenwashing)

  • Be specific: “We cut packaging per order by 18% since June” beats vague claims.
  • Be honest: Share what went well and what still needs work.
  • Be consistent: Use the same metrics each time so people can see change.
  • Be practical: Explain how changes help customers (less waste, better parcel fit, clear returns).

Example messages you can reuse

  • Website banner: “We’re reducing packaging and delivery emissions. See our progress.”
  • Product page note: “This order ships in right-sized, recyclable packaging.”
  • Post-purchase email: “Your delivery used our optimised route plan to cut emissions.”

Original reference please follow link to: https://www.dhl.com/discover/en-global/logistics-advice/sustainability-and-green-logistics/sustainability-survey

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