Innovations Driving Sustainable Supply Chain Practices

Supply chain sustainability or “Green Supply Chain” efforts have increased. Customers, employees, investors, and governments are putting more pressure on supply chain companies to reduce their carbon footprint.

Inherently, the supply chain is in the top five most polluting industries. All transportation (both commercial and passenger transport) uses large amounts of fossil fuels. According to Climate Trade, commercial transport accounts for about 40% of all transportation pollution.

At a2b Fulfillment, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint. We are stewards of the environment and climate. Our efforts have minimized environmental damage while maintaining and improving the speed and costs associated with order fulfillment.

A sustainable supply chain is achievable through strategic initiatives that lower emissions, reduce waste, and optimize resources. At a2bFulfillment, we focus on reducing carbon emissions, minimizing landfill waste, and eliminating excess packaging and shipping materials. Our multi-faceted approach ensures that sustainability is woven into every aspect of our operations.

We’ve implemented comprehensive sustainability programs across our facilities and are continuously exploring new initiatives. Our green initiatives include:

• Prioritizing Renewable Energy: We use motion-sensing LED lighting and electric forklifts to reduce energy consumption and emissions.
• Optimizing Shipping Origination: Our bi-coastal facilities minimize shipping distances, reducing fuel use and costs.
• Recycling Materials: Since 2001, we’ve recycled corrugated materials and used recycled-content packaging.
• Reducing Excess Packaging: Our partnership with Packsize enables custom, right-sized boxes for every order.

These efforts reflect our commitment to contributing to a greener supply chain, where small changes yield significant environmental benefits.

a2b is partnered with Packsize, the leader in packaging automation. With Packsize’s Right-sized Packaging on Demand® automation, shipping boxes are cut to an order’s size, reducing the amount of corrugated boxing and dunnage needed for shipping.

Because of our partnership with Packsize, a2b has achieved some impressive results:

• 40% reduction in box size 
• 20% reduction in corrugated packaging usage
• 60% reduction in void fill material used

The best part is that these reductions can be attributed to the bottom line for both our clients and a2b. By reducing the box size and dunnage, we reduce shipping costs.

Some sustainability practices are easy to implement, and immediate cost-savings are apparent.

a2b utilizes motion-sensing LED light fixtures in each of our facilities. LED lighting uses 75% less energy than traditional lighting. Motion sensors add to the savings as unoccupied aisles are not lit.

Our renewable energy efforts don’t end there. Our facilities are all equipped with electric forklifts. By using electric forklifts, not only do we create a safe environment for our employees, but we further reduce our carbon footprint.

Recycling has been around for centuries, historians found evidence of recycling dating to 500 BCE in Athens. Since then, recycling has been one of the most utilized and embraced sustainable efforts. Although a2b cannot trace our roots back to 500BCE, we can say that since 2001, we have recycled our corrugated materials. We go a step further and procure corrugate and dunnage made from recycled materials.

Another way a2b makes significant strides with sustainability is by using multiple locations. When your products are located close to your customers, shipping times and costs are reduced. In addition to these cost savings, the amount of fossil fuel is reduced. It takes a lot less fuel to ship a package to California from Utah than Georgia.

By making sure products are sent from the closest facility as opposed to one on the other side of the country, a2b reduces not only our carbon footprint but our clients’ carbon footprint too.

Many companies have noticed that their supply chain is responsible for most of their environmental impact.

In the words of a2b’s CEO and Founder Ayal Latz, “Sustainability in the supply chain is not difficult to achieve, but it does take time, effort, and dedication to implement green practices. At our core, a2b Fulfillment is committed to leaving the planet in better condition for future generations and this begins with taking responsible measures to limit our impact.”

Our employees are key to our green initiatives. We provide training on sustainable practices, such as proper recycling techniques and efficient packing methods. By fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, we ensure that every team member contributes to our sustainability goals.

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Beyond physical infrastructure, we leverage advanced technologies to enhance sustainability. Our cartonization software optimizes packaging by selecting the smallest possible box for each order, reducing waste. Additionally, our warehouse management systems (WMS) use AI to predict demand, streamline inventory, and prevent overstocking, which reduces unnecessary production and transport.

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We seamlessly integrate with leading e-commerce platforms, ensuring that our sustainable practices enhance your brand’s efficiency without compromising on speed or reliability. Our technology stack is designed to make your logistics effortless.

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At a2b Fulfillment, we continuously refine our strategies to enhance sustainability across all operations. Our approach includes adopting lean inventory practices to minimize overstocking, which reduces waste and storage-related energy consumption. We also collaborate with suppliers to source eco-friendly materials, such as biodegradable packing peanuts and recyclable tape, ensuring that every component of the supply chain aligns with our green objectives. Additionally, our advanced analytics tools optimize delivery routes and consolidate shipments, further reducing fuel consumption and environmental impact.