Royal Mail testing “last mile” electric vehicles

Increasingly customers in the UK and EU are demanding higher environmental standards from merchants. Making the effort to find a fulfilment partner who can offer not just a reliable service at reasonable cost, but also one which works to minimise its environmental impact is well worth it. I would argue it’s also just the right thing to do. The good news is that most delivery companies in the UK are focused on reducing their carbon footprint, using renewable energy, adopting electric vehicles, and implementing sustainable practices. Here are some of the leading eco-friendly delivery companies in the UK:

1. DHL
  - Eco Initiatives: DHL aims to achieve zero emissions by 2050 and is investing heavily in electric vehicles, bicycle couriers, and carbon-neutral warehouses. They have a GoGreen programme that allows customers to offset their carbon emissions.
  - Highlights: Use of electric vans, cycle couriers, and fuel-efficient driving methods.

2. DPD
  - Eco Initiatives: DPD has pledged to be the greenest delivery company in the UK. They have committed to making every parcel delivered by their all-electric fleet in 25 UK cities by 2023. DPD's aim is to achieve a 30% reduction in CO₂ emissions per parcel.
  - Highlights: Largest electric vehicle fleet of any UK delivery company and a carbon-neutral parcel delivery service called 'DPD Green.'

3. Evri
  - Eco Initiatives: Evri has launched a fleet of electric vans and e-cargo bikes and is aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2025. They also use recyclable packaging and have introduced eco-friendly paper labels.
  - Highlights: Investment in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and sustainable packaging.

4. Royal Mail
  - Eco Initiatives: The Royal Mail has committed to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. They are introducing electric vehicles, opting for bio-fuels where possible, use 100% renewable energy across their whole estate and investing in electric bicycles and hydrogen-powered vehicles. They claim that they are the most eco-friendly delivery partner in the UK currently and given the involvement of a vast network of last mile posties delivery on foot this may well be true. Their “hand to the postman/-woman” returns option is a great initiative and must be hugely efficient in environmental terms.
  - Highlights: Large fleet of electric vans and a trial of e-cargo bikes in urban areas.

5. Zedify
  - Eco Initiatives: Zedify specializes in zero-emission deliveries using cargo bikes and e-bikes for last-mile deliveries. They operate in multiple UK cities and work with businesses that prioritize sustainability.
  - Highlights: 100% zero-emission delivery services.

6. Pedal Me
  - Eco Initiatives: Pedal Me offers zero-emission delivery services using cargo bikes in London. They use pedal-powered and electric-assisted bikes for moving goods, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional delivery vehicles.
  - Highlights: A completely bike-based delivery service reducing urban congestion and emissions.

7. Ocado
  - Eco Initiatives: Although primarily a grocery delivery service, Ocado has one of the most eco-friendly logistics operations. They use electric delivery vans and have developed fuel-efficient routing algorithms to reduce miles traveled. Their warehouses also use 100% renewable energy.
  - Highlights: Use of electric and low-emission vehicles, carbon offsetting, and recycling initiatives.

8. Green Courier
  - Eco Initiatives: One of the UK's leading environmentally-friendly courier services, Green Courier utilises a variety of eco-friendly modes of transportation, including bicycles, electric vans, and hybrid vehicles.
  - Highlights: Carbon-neutral deliveries and an extensive use of bicycles in urban areas.

Key Considerations for Eco-Friendly Delivery Companies
- Electric & Low-Emission Vehicles: Companies with large fleets of electric or hybrid vehicles have a smaller carbon footprint.
- Cycle Couriers: Use of bicycles or e-bikes for last-mile delivery is a great way to reduce emissions in urban areas.
- Carbon Offset Programs: Many companies offer carbon offsetting options, allowing customers to neutralize the impact of their deliveries.
- Renewable Energy: Warehouses and distribution centers powered by renewable energy sources contribute to overall sustainability.

Top Eco Pick: Among these, Green Courrier, PedalMe and Zedify stand out as leaders in sustainability, with DPD having the most extensive electric fleet and Zedify offering 100% zero-emission delivery options.