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! a2b Fulfillment has taken steps to lower our carbon emissions, reduce landfill waste, and reduce excess packaging and shipping materials.

a2b has implemented multi-faceted sustainability programs in our facilities (and continues to explore new initiatives!). As a company, we recognize that contributing to a greener supply chain is our duty – small efforts have a big impact!

Our Green Initiatives include prioritizing renewable energy, optimizing shipping origination, recycling products and materials, and reducing excess shipping materials.

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.

We’ve adopted energy-efficient practices to minimize our carbon footprint. Our facilities are equipped with motion-sensing LED light fixtures, which use 75% less energy than traditional lighting. Unoccupied areas remain unlit, further conserving energy. Additionally, our electric forklifts create a safer work environment for employees while eliminating emissions from fossil fuel-powered equipment.

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 500 BCE, 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. Our strategically located facilities allow us to ship products from the closest point to the customer, reducing transit times, fuel consumption, and shipping costs. Shipping a package to California from Utah uses significantly less fuel than shipping from Georgia. This approach minimizes our carbon footprint and that of our clients.

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 sustainability efforts align with our mission to fulfill brand promises while prioritizing environmental stewardship.

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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