How Can Last-Mile Delivery Be Sustainable?

In the modern world, convenience is everything. Whether it’s groceries, furniture, or your favourite gadget, people expect fast and reliable delivery right to their doorstep. But behind every smooth delivery lies a hidden challenge: the environmental cost. The final stretch of a product’s journey, known as last-mile delivery, is responsible for a large share of carbon emissions in logistics. The good news is that change is already happening. Companies around the world are rethinking how they deliver products to make the process greener and more sustainable.

The Challenge of Last-Mile Delivery

Last-mile delivery refers to the final step of the shipping process when a package moves from a distribution centre to the customer’s home. While it may seem like a short distance, this stage often involves multiple stops, congested traffic, and fuel-consuming vehicles. Together, these factors contribute heavily to carbon emissions, air pollution, and noise in urban areas.

As online shopping continues to grow, so does the pressure on logistics companies to find sustainable alternatives that can keep pace with rising demand while reducing environmental impact.

Electric Vehicles Powering the Future

Transportation is the biggest contributor to delivery emissions, and this is where innovation is making a real difference. Electric vehicles (EVs) are transforming how goods are delivered, especially in urban areas.

Take IKEA as an example. The global furniture giant has invested heavily in electric delivery fleets and even partnered with EV bike startups in many countries. These e-bikes are perfect for short-distance deliveries in busy city streets, offering a zero-emission solution that’s both efficient and cost-effective. By switching to electric mobility, IKEA aims to achieve 100% zero-emission deliveries by the end of this decade.

Other companies like Amazon and DHL are also following the same path. Electric vans and bikes not only reduce carbon emissions but also cut fuel costs and minimise noise pollution=making city life cleaner and quieter.

The Electric Fleet and the Power of E-Bikes

Transportation is the single biggest contributor to delivery emissions, and this is where the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is making a revolutionary difference. Major logistics players are heavily electrifying their fleets. For example, DHL aims to electrify 60% of its last-mile delivery fleet by 2030, leveraging its existing fleet of 27,000 electric vans globally. FedEx has committed to transitioning its entire global parcel pickup and delivery fleet to electric vehicles by 2040.  

However, the e-cargo bike is proving to be the game-changer for congested urban centres. Furniture giant IKEA has made a strong commitment to achieving 100% zero-emission deliveries by 2025. To meet this goal, the company has actively piloted solutions like the Sunrider solar-powered cargo bike.  

This technology is transformative:

• The solar-powered bike cuts carbon dioxide emissions by up to 95% compared with a diesel-fueled delivery van.  

• It can carry up to 150 kilograms, proving the viability of e-bikes for moving bulkier items in city centres where conventional vans struggle with parking and traffic.  

• IKEA utilises over 30 different solutions globally, including electric cargo bikes in Germany and Italy, confirming that no single vehicle type can solve the last-mile challenge alone.

Next-Gen Last Mile Innovations

The last mile is often the most carbon-intensive step in fulfilment, but forward-thinking solutions are changing that. Electric vans, cargo e-bikes, smarter route optimisation and eco-friendly walking couriers are all now a reality in many cities. Innovations like autonomous robots and drones are also starting to appear, promising even greener options with every new pilot. These changes don’t just serve the planet; they also resonate with modern customers who are more likely to choose brands for their visible environmental action.

Estimated CO2 emissions for different last-mile delivery modes in 2025

Why Sustainability Is the Future of Delivery

Making last-mile delivery sustainable is no longer just good business; it’s essential for long-term growth and customer trust. From eco-conscious delivery boxes to electric vehicle fleets, brands are cutting emissions, reducing waste, and aligning with a generation that values both convenience and the planet.

At Grubpac, we believe the future of delivery lies in smarter, greener solutions that protect the environment while enhancing efficiency. The shift toward sustainable logistics is already here, and it’s transforming how the world moves every package.