_{Thanks to www.royalmail.com for the image}

At StoreFeeder, we are deeply committed to minimising the environmental impact of the eCommerce industry.

That’s why we celebrate partnerships with couriers that share our vision for sustainability and a zero-emission future.

A perfect example of this is Royal Mail’s ongoing electrification of its delivery fleet, reaching an incredible milestone with the deployment of its 6,000th electric vehicle (EV).

Royal Mail - Leading the way in sustainable deliveries

Royal Mail now boasts one of the largest electric delivery fleets in the UK. The latest zero-emission red van has been deployed at the Manchester Mail Centre, joining 15 others already operating at the site for deliveries and collections. More than 240 Royal Mail offices across the country now utilise EVs, demonstrating a strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

Since acquiring its first 100 electric vehicles in December 2017, Royal Mail has significantly expanded its green fleet. Most of these EVs are charged on-site using a purchased 100% renewable electricity supply, ensuring they deliver true zero-emission operations.

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A commitment to net-zero by 2040

Reaching this 6,000-vehicle milestone is a significant step in Royal Mail’s commitment to achieving Net-Zero carbon emissions by 2040. The environmental benefits of electric vehicles extend beyond carbon reduction, as they also contribute to lower noise pollution and cleaner air in local communities.

As Alistair Cochrane, Chief Operating Officer at Royal Mail, stated:

“It’s so exciting to hit this major milestone just as we enter 2025. Electric vehicles are an essential part of our plan to be Net-Zero by 2040 and offer so many benefits for both our staff and customers. Our zero-emission vehicles make our deliveries greener, reducing noise and air pollution in local communities.”

‍Expanding the green fleet

In July 2024, Royal Mail announced it would add another 2,100 electric vans over the next year as part of its overall annual vehicle replacement plan. This will increase the electric fleet to 7,100 vans, further advancing Royal Mail’s sustainability strategy. Once these new vans are in operation, they are expected to reduce total emissions by approximately 6,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year.

Beyond electric vehicles, Royal Mail is also pioneering alternative fuel solutions. The company has introduced hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to power many of its heavy goods vehicles. HVO is a renewable fuel that can reduce direct carbon emissions by up to 90% compared to diesel, making it another powerful step toward sustainability.

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StoreFeeder’s role in reducing carbon footprints

At StoreFeeder, we are equally dedicated to helping businesses reduce their CO2 emissions and overall carbon footprint.

One of our key initiatives is the implementation of paperless warehousing solutions through our PDA software.

This technology allows warehouse staff to access pickwaves directly on handheld devices, eliminating the need for printed pick lists. By streamlining the picking process, we not only enhance efficiency and accuracy but also significantly reduce paper consumption, contributing to lower carbon emissions.

But reduction of paper consumption is not the only driver to reducing a businesses carbon footprint.

Up to 24 million metric tons of CO2 emissions are attributed to eCommerce returns each year (Optoro) and unfortunately this is rising year on year.

StoreFeeder WMS provides warehouses with tools to become more accurate within the fulfilment process, this minimises customers receiving incorrect items and initiating returns.

So by providing a tool that helps the eCommerce industry reduce returns, we help in reducing the impact on a business’s carbon footprint, as well as its profitability and reputation.

The road to a greener future

With courier partners like Royal Mail setting ambitious targets through its ‘Steps to Zero’ environmental strategy, and StoreFeeder’s commitment to giving businesses the tools to reduce returns and eliminate paper from the eCommerce fulfilment process, the path to a greener future is achievable for eCommerce businesses.

Royal Mail currently holds one of the lowest reported carbon emissions per parcel among UK delivery firms, aiming to maintain and improve this standing. Over the past four years, Royal Mail has successfully reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 18%, with a target to achieve a 50% reduction by 2030.

At StoreFeeder, we are part of the Royal Mail Group, and we are proud to be part of an organisation that shares our ethos and prioritises sustainability and takes meaningful steps toward reducing its environmental footprint.

The continued electrification of Royal Mail’s fleet, combined with our paperless warehousing solutions, exemplifies the power of innovation in driving a greener eCommerce industry.

Together, we can make a difference—one zero-emission delivery and paperless process at a time.

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