Sustainability in the postal industry: Consumers are looking for greener deliveries

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• February 2, 2024

Insight summary

Consumers are becoming more concerned about the ecological impact of their deliveries, influencing their choice of delivery service. As a result, postal service companies are working towards integrating sustainability into operations worldwide, including offering carbon accounting tools. Adopting sustainable practices in the postal industry could reduce emissions, promote a circular economy, and lead to cost savings and new market opportunities. This transition could create new job opportunities, drive technological advancements, and encourage environmentally conscious behavior among consumers and businesses.

Sustainability in the postal industry context

A 2020 study by the US Office of the Inspector General revealed that 56 percent of consumers express concern about the ecological consequences of their deliveries, with younger and city-dwelling individuals being the most worried. The research also highlighted that sustainability goes beyond generating goodwill or complying with environmental regulations—it can also offer a competitive edge. In fact, 41 percent of respondents indicated that eco-friendly practices significantly influence their choice of delivery service for online purchases. Given the heightened environmental consciousness among customers, it's no surprise that most of them favored the majority of the eco-friendly product ideas tested by the OIG. Two popular new product concepts included carbon offsetting for parcels and letters, and reusable packaging alternatives.

The Universal Postal Union (UPU), a United Nations-supported organization, said their members are shifting towards alternative vehicles, producing renewable energy, and integrating sustainability into their operations and procurement procedures. They also engage with their communities, offering their infrastructure for recycling programs and sharing information on environmental matters. As e-commerce continues to grow, consumer demand for eco-friendly products and services, such as climate-efficient shipping, is driving the development of new business models within the postal industry.

To monitor greenhouse gas emissions from postal activities worldwide, the UPU offers postal operators a customized carbon accounting tool known as OSCAR.post. The Union's 192 member nations can use this web-based, interactive platform to assess and report their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while pinpointing emission reduction opportunities.

Disruptive impact

The adoption of more sustainable practices could lead to a significant reduction in carbon emissions and resource consumption. For example, replacing conventional fuel-based vehicles with electric vehicles (EVs) would substantially decrease air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, eco-friendly packaging materials, such as biodegradable or recyclable options, would reduce waste and promote a circular economy. Digitalization of postal services, such as e-billing, could further minimize paper waste and contribute to preserving forests.

Economically, the shift towards sustainability would initially incur costs associated with implementing new technologies and infrastructure. However, it could lead to cost savings and new market opportunities in the long run. For instance, EVs could reduce operational costs related to fuel and maintenance. Furthermore, as consumers become increasingly environmentally conscious, postal companies that adopt sustainable practices would enjoy a competitive advantage and attract more business. The development of new green technologies and products would also drive innovation in the industry, creating employment and growth opportunities.

More sustainable practices could raise public awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable behavior among individuals and businesses. As postal services are widely utilized, the visibility of these sustainable practices could serve as a model for other industries to follow suit. The transition to a greener postal industry would not only demonstrate corporate social responsibility but also contribute to further research and development into intelligent packaging and biodegradable materials.

Implications of sustainability in the postal industry

Wider implications of sustainability in the postal industry may include: 

• New job opportunities in renewable energy, EV maintenance, and recycling, leading to workforce growth and economic benefits.


• Technological advancements in EVs, energy-efficient infrastructure, delivery robots, and alternative packaging.


• Increased adoption of renewable energy sources that can lead to cost savings for the postal industry, making it more competitive and economically viable in the long term.


• Enhanced industry reputation, attracting more environmentally conscious customers, leading to increased revenue and market share.


• Governments introducing stricter environmental regulations, including how goods are transported, packaged, and recycled.


• As the global population becomes more urbanized, the postal industry may need to adapt to these changes by developing sustainable logistics solutions, such as cargo bikes and micro-hubs, to efficiently serve growing urban populations.

Questions to consider

• If you work in the postal industry, how is your company shifting to more sustainable practices?


• As a consumer, how do you want your delivery providers to promote more sustainable solutions?