[ES] Green logistics: 5 ideas for an EcoResponsible warehouse

Green logistics is a strategic approach that seeks to reduce the environmental impact of every task in the supply chain, from production to distribution and transport. Within the warehouse, this sustainable outlook focuses on minimising waste generation, lowering energy bills and cultivating a more EcoResponsible relationship with suppliers and customers.

Of course, the packaging and order picking policy plays a key role in green logistics. At RAJA®, we want to help you to commit to this new concept of business activity with 5 best practices to set up a more EcoResponsible warehouse. Which one are you going to start with?

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1. Optimise stock management and picking processes

Finding an efficient stock management model, which allows you to achieve your objectives with the minimum energy expenditure and the least amount of movements, is essential in green logistics. When it comes to optimising this aspect, we will focus on improving picking planning, saving space in the warehouse and automating processes in accordance with the principles of logistics 4.0, but, above all, on organising the locations of the goods well. One of the most commonly used methods for this is the ABC system, which classifies goods into three categories:

1. High turnover (A). These are the most in-demand products, which are in and out of the warehouse continuously. They should be placed as close as possible to the packing stations and the dispatch area.
2. Medium rotation (B). Products with a regular demand, but less than those assigned to A.
3. Low rotation (C). Products with low demand. They can be located in the spaces furthest away from the picking areas and in the least accessible areas.

On a practical level, it is advisable to keep in mind two more tips for location management:

• Heavy goods should be placed at the bottom of the racks to facilitate handling and prevent accidents in the warehouse.
• Handling will be different depending on whether or not we are working with perishable products or with a very marked seasonality. In sectors such as food or fashion, the FIFO (First In, First Out) system is imposed. However, for products whose value does not degrade over time, a LIFO (Last In, First Out) approach is more effective.

2. Reducing energy consumption in warehouse operations

Using less energy is not only beneficial for the environment: it also reduces business costs. In green logistics, there are two ways to apply EcoResponsibility to optimise the warehouse energy bill:

1. Choosing a sustainable design and construction system. The endorsement of certifications such as Breeam, Leed or Green will guarantee that our building complies with a series of environmental preservation requirements.
2. Renovating the installations with sustainable criteria. Changing the luminaires for LED lights, opting for renewable sources of supply and reinforcing the insulation to reduce the cost of air conditioning will have a very positive effect.

3. Implement recycling processes in line with green logistics.

Green logistics places great emphasis on recycling. In addition, various legal regulations require companies to develop waste management plans that guarantee hygiene, safety and environmental protection.

In the warehouse, the basic requirement is to implement a sorting and separate collection system adapted to the requirements of the waste management company. As a general rule, waste is separated into four main groups:

• Paper and cardboard
• Plastic
• Glass
• Other

Chemicals and hazardous waste, which require specialised storage and treatment, are not included.

In the RAJA® online shop you will find a wide range of bags, containers, bins and waste management and collection media to support your recycling initiatives within green logistics.

4. Giving a second life to returned and damaged goods

Apart from implementing quality control to reduce the percentage of returns and optimise reverse logistics, green logistics attaches great importance to the treatment of returned packages and goods that are damaged, defective or difficult to sell. Simply disposing of them would increase the volume of waste and therefore the environmental impact of the warehouse. Some suggestions for giving these products a second life are:

• Develop a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy by making donations to social projects.
• Fix the incidents that make it impossible to sell them and return them to the market, through the usual channel or through other marketing channels for inferior qualities.
• Reuse some of the components or materials for the manufacture of other products, similar or different to the original.

5. Adopt an EcoResponsible packaging policy for your green logistics

EcoResponsible packaging will round off the application of green logistics principles in the warehouse. At RAJA® we often talk about the 5R’s of environmentally friendly packaging. Shall we remember them?

• Reduce the weight and volume of packaging. The aim is to ensure that products travel protected without over-packaging.
• Reuse, a task made easier with return packaging that facilitates the management of returns.
• Replace the most polluting packaging with EcoResponsible, recycled or recyclable alternatives.
• Renew packaging stock, prioritising options made from renewable or bio-based raw materials.
• Recycle, thus contributing to the circular economy.

Have you taken note of our 5 ideas for implementing green logistics in your warehouse? Now it’s time to get down to work. From RAJA® we will accompany you with our wide range of EcoResponsible packaging, the best solution to reduce the environmental impact of your business activity. Count on us!