69% of consumers in the UK and 71% of German shoppers say sustainability is a decisional factor when buying from an eCommerce business.
Moreover, research shows that, from 2019 to 2024, there was a massive 71% rise in online searches for sustainable products. This finding is on par with Nielsen's study, which points out that nearly three-quarters of consumers are ready to change their shopping behaviors to be more environmentally friendly.
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s a business essential. This article gives you the why. The full eBook gives you the how.
What you'll learn in this preview:
✅ Why sustainability is a business driver in 2025
✅ Which EU laws you can't afford to ignore
✅ How greener last-mile delivery can lower emissions and boost margins
To get the full guide (including practical tips, compliance checklists, and real-life brand examples) contact us to get our free eBook.
Key regulatory developments include mandatory corporate sustainability reporting, the introduction of Digital Product Passports for product transparency, harmonized Extended Producer Responsibility schemes, and ambitious packaging waste reduction targets. These initiatives are closely tied to the European Green Deal and are expected to reshape both industry practices and consumer behavior, fostering a more circular and sustainable economy across the continent.
The European Union requires large companies to disclose information on risks and opportunities related to social and environmental issues. This is part of the EU’s broader push for corporate sustainability reporting, ensuring that companies are transparent about their impacts and actions regarding sustainability.
These requirements are designed to help investors, consumers, and other stakeholders make informed decisions and to promote responsible business practices.
The European Green Deal is the EU’s overarching strategy to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. It encompasses policies on clean energy, sustainable industry, building renovation, sustainable mobility, biodiversity, and the elimination of pollution. The Green Deal underpins many of the legislative changes in packaging, product transparency, and corporate reporting.
In 2024, the EU introduced the Digital Product Passport (DPP), a new regulation that mandates nearly all products sold in the EU to carry a DPP as part of the in.
This passport is meant to provide comprehensive information about a product’s origin, materials, environmental impact, and disposal recommendations. It will also include compliance documentation, substances of concern, user manuals, and safety instructions.
The initiative aims to enhance transparency, supply chain management, regulatory compliance, and open data sharing, ultimately supporting sustainability and circular economy goals.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy that makes producers financially and/or operationally responsible for their products’ post-consumer stage, particularly focusing on packaging waste.
As a result of this policy, the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive has obliged all Member States to establish EPR schemes for packaging by the end of 2024. These schemes are being harmonized across the EU to increase transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
The new legislation sets ambitious targets: reduce packaging waste by 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040. Certain single-use plastics and hazardous chemicals (PFASs) will also be banned in packaging from 2030.
The rules encourage reuse and refill systems, require higher recyclability standards, and mandate minimum recycled content in plastic packaging. By 2029, 90% of single-use plastic and metal beverage containers must be collected separately.
Global supply chains have long been the backbone of modern trade, enabling the seamless movement of goods across continents. However, they also pose significant challenges in terms of environmental impact, efficiency, and resilience.
In Europe, transport accounts for about a quarter of the EU's total greenhouse gas emissions and causes significant air pollution, noise, and habitat disruption. While that may not be all due to eCommerce in and of itself, it is known that most emissions generated by online retailing come from transport, with the first and last mile together making up between 35% and 65% of the overall environmental footprint of eCommerce.
This makes transport by far the greatest lever for reducing eCommerce’s environmental impact.
With rising consumer demand for sustainability and the shifting regulatory landscape, the need for smarter, more adaptive supply chains has become paramount. Localized logistics, as part of this transformation, can play a key role in reducing carbon footprints, strengthening regional economies, and mitigating risks associated with global disruptions.
The good news? You don't have to wait for teleportation to become a thing. There are sustainable solutions you can implement in your eCommerce and still reap all the benefits of cross-border eCommerce.
Reducing emissions is a key priority for businesses aiming to build sustainable operations. One effective way to achieve this is by implementing shorter shipping routes.
Localizing supply chains and distribution networks enables eComm businesses to significantly reduce transportation emissions, supporting global efforts to combat climate change. This approach benefits the environment and enhances efficiency in delivering products to customers.
Faster fulfillment is another advantage of streamlining logistics. When products are shipped from closer locations, delivery times are reduced, leading to improved customer satisfaction. Faster and more accurate fulfillment helps minimize the environmental impact associated with returns, as fewer errors in orders mean less energy and resources are used to process and reship items.
Adhering to country-specific compliance requirements can often be a complex process, but shorter shipping routes and localized distribution make it more manageable. By operating closer to the destination, businesses can better understand and meet regulatory standards, reducing risks and ensuring smoother operations. This localized approach simplifies compliance and strengthens relationships with regional markets and customers.
Electric vehicles, bicycle couriers, and urban hubs are transforming delivery methods in modern cities. By integrating sustainable transportation methods, companies can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to cleaner, more efficient urban environments. Electric vehicles offer a low-emission alternative for larger deliveries, while bicycle couriers provide a fast and eco-friendly solution for navigating congested city streets.
Another key innovation in sustainable delivery is the practice of grouping orders. Businesses can optimize routes and minimize unnecessary travel by consolidating multiple deliveries into a single trip. This not only saves fuel and energy but also reduces delivery times, creating a win-win situation for both the environment and customers. Grouping orders is a practical approach to addressing the rising demand for fast and efficient delivery services.
Additionally, incentivizing eco-friendly delivery options at checkout is an effective way to encourage consumers to make greener choices. Customers can be presented with the option to select sustainable methods, such as bicycle delivery or localized urban hubs, often accompanied by discounts or rewards.
We’ve barely scratched the surface. In the full eBook, you’ll dive into:
Turn your sustainability goals into actionable strategies today. Contact us to get our free eBook!
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