This article was written by an eCommerce expert at leading delivery management provider Scurri. To streamline your delivery management and perfect your post-purchase emails, get in touch with Scurri today!
The United Nations Brundtland Commission defines sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” In today’s eCommerce landscape, sustainability is more than a trend – it’s a responsibility.
As online retailers, embracing sustainable eCommerce fulfilment is a vital step towards meeting consumer expectations, reducing environmental impact, and standing out in a competitive market. Here’s how to do just that.
Why Sustainable eCommerce Fulfilment Matters
The rise in consumer demand for eco-conscious products has fundamentally shifted the way businesses operate. Today, sustainable ecommerce fulfilment isn’t just a value-add – it’s a core differentiator. Here are some key reasons why sustainability in eCommerce matters more than ever:
1. Increased Profitability
Integrating sustainable practices into your ecommerce fulfilment strategy can open your business to a wider, more engaged audience. Studies show that 75% of Gen Z shoppers prioritise sustainability over brand names, meaning eco-friendly practices can directly influence purchasing decisions.
2. Enhanced Brand Reputation
Sustainable ecommerce fulfilment demonstrates transparency and accountability – qualities that resonate with today’s conscious consumers. Businesses that adopt green practices often earn recognition through certifications, awards, and increased media exposure.
3. Stronger Customer Loyalty
Embracing the Circular Economy in eCommerce Fulfilment
A core pillar of sustainable eCommerce fulfilment is transitioning from a linear to a circular model. Rather than the outdated “buy-use-dispose” system, a circular economy focuses on reuse, refill, and repurpose. Consider the growing popularity of refillable products – such as perfumes or home cleaning solutions – where consumers can replenish existing packaging, reducing waste and extending product lifecycle.
This not only supports sustainability but also strengthens customer retention. Brands can also explore packaging redesigns to support the circular model. For example, replacing plastic tubs with reusable tins or biodegradable materials offers both environmental benefits and a unique brand experience.
Sustainable Packaging in eCommerce Fulfilment
The “Five R’s of Sustainable packaging” is a useful method for remembering the many ways to optimise sustainability within eCommerce product packaging:
- Recyclable
- Refillable
- Reusable
- Recycled
- Repurposable
Eco-friendly inks, compostable labels, and biodegradable packaging materials are becoming more accessible, allowing brands to move closer to fully sustainable eCommerce fulfilment.
Example: Scurri customer Biscuiteers switched from plastic containers to decorative metal tins, which customers are encouraged to reuse as plant pots. This clever packaging choice adds visual appeal, reinforces the brand’s sustainability efforts, and creates talking points that can lead to organic word-of-mouth promotion.
Similarly, solid shampoo bars from brands like Garnier and Rituals eliminate the need for plastic bottles, allowing packaging to be made from compostable or recyclable material – an ideal solution for environmentally friendly ecommerce fulfilment.
Communicating your Commitment to Sustainable eCommerce Fulfilment
Sustainable practices will only impact perception of your brand if your audience knows about them.
Showcasing your sustainable eCommerce fulfilment efforts helps reinforce brand values, attract eco-conscious consumers, and foster trust.
Tips for Transparency:
– Add a dedicated Sustainability page to your website
– Use social media to highlight initiatives and eco-friendly innovations
– Offer insights into your packaging materials, supply chain ethics, and carbon reduction goals
By being open about your progress and ambitions, you humanise your brand and create a lasting emotional connection with your customers.
Final Thoughts
Sustainable eCommerce fulfilment isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a long-term strategy that influences every stage of your eCommerce business. From packaging and product design to workplace culture and delivery, every step matters.
By embracing sustainable eCommerce fulfilment, your brand can not only reduce its environmental footprint but also win the loyalty of a new generation of thoughtful consumers. The time to start is now—because standing out sustainably is the future of eCommerce.
Discover more about our sustainable carrier services
Our delivery management software Scurri Connect helps retailers improve their sustainability by reducing friction within the delivery management process.
By offering an increased amount of carriers to choose from with strong sustainability credentials, retailers can maximise efficiency in the fulfilment process.