Author archives

Last but not least: a paradoxical sustainability exploration in last-mile delivery and city logistics

As societal challenges intensify and business practices shift, Helleke Heikkinen’s thesis encourages a fresh perspective on sustainability in last-mile delivery (LMD) and urban logistics. It calls upon managers, policymakers, and researchers to engage in collaborative discussions and adopt a paradoxical approach to sustainability. In an age of rapid urbanization and the rise of e-commerce, the …

Managing circular flows requires more than just a digital materials passport

During a consortium meeting of the Circular Foam research project, there was a vigorous debate about digitalization in the circular supply chain. Participants view digitalization as a critical factor for success (alongside other crucial aspects such as regulation and technology). But what exactly does digitalization mean for circularity? There are barriers to digitalization for large-scale, …

Wheel of change: a systematic literature review on innovation in micro-mobility

Urban transportation is evolving rapidly with advancements in micro-mobility, driven by sustainable infrastructure, Internet of Things (IoT) applications, and compact electric vehicles. Entrepreneurs leverage these innovations to create new transportation solutions while navigating complex regulatory landscapes. A recent study conducts a comprehensive literature review to identify opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship within micro-mobility. It examines …

T&E: enough made-in-Europe e-vans available in 2030 for city logistics

Vans are the pillar of urban logistics. In the UK, they account for 89% of urban road traffic from commercial vehicles (2023). However, they are predominantly fuelled by diesel. They are responsible for 14% of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from inner city traffic in European cities and 12% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from road transportation in the European Union and …

Research: using LTL-logistics service providers as urban consolidation centers

Proximity logistics offer a counter approach to logistics sprawl, bringing logistics operations back to urban centers. In the example, a logistics provider in the groupage and less-than-truckload (LTL) segment operates an urban consolidation center (UCC) in Düsseldorf. This provider supports inner-city businesses by offering receiver-led consolidation, stockholding, and other services. The case presented in a …

How to avoid service disruptions in last-mile and first-mile reverse logistics

The rapid growth of e-commerce in recent years has transformed how retailers and customers interact. This shift has significantly impacted freight distribution, as customers now expect their orders to be delivered directly to, or near, the point of consumption. Consequently, the volume of freight handled by logistics operators has surged, leading to an increase in …

New report estimates €1.5 trillion investment needed for sustainable mobility by 2050 in Europe

EIT Urban Mobility has unveiled its latest study, “Costs and Benefits of the Urban Mobility Transition.” This comprehensive report examines how European cities can navigate the complex path to meet the EU Green Deal’s transport sector goals for 2030 and 2050, assessing various mobility strategies’ financial and societal impacts. Transition scenarios An update to the …

The transition to zero emission transport faces substantial financial barriers

The shift to zero-emission mobility, driven by regulatory mandates in Europe and North America, presents opportunities and challenges. Europe, for example, aims for a 43% reduction in emissions from new vehicle sales by 2030 and 90% by 2040. However, financing the transition remains challenging due to the high upfront costs and the lack of large-scale …

Review and research: the last-mile delivery of heavy, bulky and oversized products

Last-mile delivery (LMD) is a challenging and costly supply chain process that involves direct customer interaction. Last-mile logistics is an emerging research area. In particular, the European Commission Directorate General for Energy and Transport provides guidelines for abnormal road transport, such as heavy, bulky, and oversized (HBO) products. Review of literature Many research articles and …

McKinsey: how batteries will drive the zero-emission truck transition

According to McKinsey, battery electric vehicle technology will be key to reducing road freight emissions and achieving global climate targets. The McKinsey analysis emphasizes the need to reduce CO2 emissions from road freight vehicles, significantly contributing to global emissions. The best way to achieve this is by transitioning from combustion engines powered by fossil fuels …