Like many other fields, “green” thinking has become a manifesto in the logistics industry, stemming from the growing awareness of environmental impacts since the 1950s. Challenges such as climate change, energy and waste management have promoted the formation of green logistics as a practical survival issue and an inevitable trend. If businesses are slow in this process, they will not only lose the opportunity to access international markets but also face the risk of being eliminated from the global supply chain.

So how can logistics be “green” and catch up with the trend? Let’s learn about the current state of logistics in Vietnam and some solutions to accelerate and promote greening!

1. What is green logistics, why do we need green logistics immediately?

Economic development leads to overexploitation of natural resources, increasingly serious environmental pollution. In particular, logistics is one of the industries with the largest CO₂ emissions, accounting for about 7-8% globally.
Therefore, developing green logistics to realize the goal of greening the economy is a global issue and a goal that all countries are aiming for.
Green logistics, also known as sustainable logistics or ecological logistics, focuses on minimizing the environmental impact of transporting and storing goods. Green logistics includes integrating sustainable activities and technologies into supply chains and logistics operations with the aim of reducing emissions, energy consumption, waste and pollution.

Green logistics - greening logistics

Greening logistics brings dual benefits to businesses and the environment such as: reducing emissions, saving costs, enhancing brands, meeting regulations and promoting technological innovation. This is also a great opportunity for Vietnam to promote the development of the logistics service industry in a sustainable direction.

A study by McKinsey & Company (2022) shows that 77% of global consumers are willing to pay more for products with sustainable supply chains. This result further affirms that greening logistics not only protects the environment but is also a clear competitive advantage between businesses and is increasingly receiving professional attention and investment.

With its strategic location, open policies and integration aspirations, Vietnam can play the role of a "green link" in the global supply chain - a flexible, sustainable and proactive logistics center that can adapt to any "shocks" of the future. Recently, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam directed the organization of the 3rd Vietnam Logistics International Exhibition (VILOG 2025) with the theme "Digital transformation - Green development of logistics industry". This further affirms that ministries and sectors are very interested in green logistics and are increasingly focusing on the power of digital solutions, connecting cooperation in promoting a more sustainable and efficient industry.

In the face of increasingly strict environmental regulations, green logistics is an inevitable strategy for all businesses to both comply with the law, demonstrate social responsibility and contribute to minimizing the impact on climate change.

However, the transition to green logistics also faces many challenges such as high investment costs, limitations in technology and infrastructure, complex supply chains, and resistance to change.

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2. 5 key solutions to help businesses develop green logistics effectively

To accelerate and not eliminate themselves from the flow, businesses can implement solutions to develop green logistics as follows:
Quickly build and adjust green logistics strategies, focusing on reducing emissions, saving costs and optimizing operations.
Control green logistics right at the warehouse: Warehouses should be located near consumption points or ports, airports to shorten transportation distances, reduce emissions. Warehouse design and operation need to optimize area, use clean energy, green packaging and smart management systems.
Develop green transportation: Transport companies increase fleet modernization; better connect freight transport demand with road transport service supply; invest in quality infrastructure and multimodal networks; the process of transport routing.
Deploying advanced technology and information technology applications: This is a key factor, from GPS, WMS warehouse management software, to logistics information systems and comprehensive digital transformation.
Finally, it is necessary to strengthen cooperation between logistics enterprises and customers to promote green supply chains and sustainable development.

Solutions for enterprises to develop green logistics

3. Upgrade warehouse management system with MEKWMS - an opportunity for enterprises to accelerate "greening"

Meksmart always promotes and applies the smartest elements to solutions and MEKWMS is a solution to help your business implement green logistics in the most optimal way. MEKWMS has the following features and practical operation of the software:

- “Greening” the warehouse by optimizing the import, export and storage process: MEKWMS helps track inventory in real time to avoid excess and shortage of goods, reduce waste of expired products. MEKWMS algorithms help optimize warehouse arrangement to reduce travel time and energy, thereby saving fuel for forklifts as well as reducing emissions. In addition, MEKWMS also optimizes the Cross-docking process to reduce overall transportation time.

- Optimize transportation - Reduce costs, reduce emissions: MEKWMS when integrated with the TMS system to plan effective routes, optimize loads and allocate goods reasonably, helps save fuel, reduce the number of trips and cut CO₂ emissions. In addition, the system also supports real-time transportation performance monitoring, thereby improving processes, increasing operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact, contributing to building sustainable green logistics.

- Digitize processes, reduce waste and protect the environment: Instead of having to use traditional documents and papers, MEKWMS converts them into electronic documents to avoid using paper resources. In addition, MEKWMS supports reverse logistics, helping businesses manage returns, repairs and recycling effectively, thereby reducing waste and increasing sustainability.

- Improve green operations capacity: MEKWMS also helps businesses improve their team capacity through training and practical application, contributing to building a green logistics culture from within.

MEKWMS optimizes operations towards green logistics

When integrated into the entire supply chain, MEKWMS is a technological link that helps logistics businesses transform green in a real and effective way by automating processes, reducing labor and operating energy, thereby promoting comprehensive green development.

Conclusion

Faced with the requirements of sustainable development and compliance with commitments on climate, environment, emission reduction and carbon footprint, major markets are establishing new "rules of the game" in trade and investment. Businesses must green logistics in every process to avoid being eliminated.
Green logistics is not only a commitment to the environment, but also a key factor to increase competitiveness, attract international partners and reach modern consumers.
Take action with Meksmart today by applying MEKWMS to implement green logistics and not be eliminated from the game tomorrow.