Climate change, different production models and the growing demand for quality goods have introduced new challenges in the agri-food sector, already characterized by complex distribution systems and extremely diversified objectives. In this highly complex context, increasingly oriented towards the sustainability, the agri-food logistics has taken on a strategic role, pushing many companies in the sector to join low impact models for the planet.
The impact of sustainability in agri-food logistics
Promoting sustainability in agri-food logistics aims to minimize the impact that managing supply chain phases can have on environmental well-being.
Its influence is a central theme in the competitiveness of agri-food companies, which can obtain a better coordination of organizational functions. competitive edge.
In order to have less impact on the environment it is therefore essential to work towards reduce waste and inefficiencies along the entire supply chain. To do this, it is possible to entrust the management of the agri-food supply chain to those specialized operators who, as in the case of a point of reference such as STEF, are evolving their operations to lean towards a model of food logistics increasingly sustainable.
At the heart of the strategy is above all the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: a fundamental objective in the agri-food logistics sector, which translates into the mitigation of the impact that the entire transport network can have in terms of pollution.
In this perspective, the use of low environmental impact refrigerated transport vehicles andLoad and route optimization are crucial to improving the efficiency of the distribution network. The driving style of truck drivers can also significantly impact efficiency, ensuring a reduction in consumption and with it also overall emissions.
Naturally, in light of a distribution network that also makes use of a extensive network of temperature-controlled infrastructures, it is also necessary to optimize the energy supply. Among the most interesting ecological practices, in this case we can highlight the use of completely clean forms of energy coming from certified renewable sources, as well as the integration of photovoltaic systems in existing structures, which allow the warehouses to be powered by self-produced renewable energy.
Agri-food logistics: the value of green choices
The adoption of ecological practices is not only an end in itself, but is also aimed at ensuring greater operational efficiency in agri-food logistics; efficiency that arises from the possibility of optimize existing resources, to improve processes, to focus on forms of self-production for reduce energy consumption and polluting emissions Operational efficiency, in turn, offers the opportunity to optimize aspects such as transportation, storage and management of perishable products along the entire supply chain, also reducing the times – completely fundamental in the quality of agri-food -which elapse between collection at the production plant and delivery to the destination.
Preserving from food waste, sustainable logistics also contributes to reduce losses of perishable goods that are recorded along the chain. Furthermore, sustainable logistics is also attentive to reducing waste through collaboration with Third Sector entities that help people in difficulty. This applies in all cases where products are found in good condition and completely healthy that – for various reasons – cannot be sent to distribution channels. The triangulation between production companies, food logistics operators and associations dedicated to people in difficulty allows us to give a second chance to those food products that would otherwise turn into waste.
All this makes sustainability in logistics operations a key element in competitiveness of agri-food companies: an asset that offers not only significant economic benefits, but also a high strategic value. And in such a competitive sector, which must constantly adapt to new market dynamics, sustainability can be an enabling factor for the creation of long-term value.
