Decentralized distribution: disrupting change in the logistics sector

The explosive growth of e-commerce during the COVID-19 pandemic has put the logistics network under severe pressure. Parcels are piling up and the current system cannot keep up with the ever-increasing demand. To make this growth sustainable and future-proof, a radical overhaul of the logistics network is necessary. The aim is to bring goods closer to the customer and thus deliver them more efficiently, faster and in a more environmentally friendly way.

The project 'Decentralized Distribution: disrupting change in the logistics sector' focuses on developing a new logistics concept: the decentralised logistics network. This involves storing goods in smaller, local centres close to consumers rather than in large, central warehouses. This makes it possible to use innovative, emission-free means of transport such as electric vehicles and delivery bicycles, making last-mile delivery cleaner and quieter. Together with companies and experts, various scenarios and systems are being investigated and simulated, supported by smart technologies such as data analysis and artificial intelligence. This will result in a clear step-by-step plan for the transition to this new network.

The project is developing a roadmap that shows how the logistics sector can switch to a sustainable, decentralised network. This will lead to numerous benefits: shorter transport distances, fewer empty runs, greater utilisation of vehicles, lower CO₂ and NOx emissions, less packaging material and less traffic congestion. In the long term, this could save more than 1.5 million tonnes of CO₂ and reduce NOx emissions by more than 0.5 million tonnes. This will enable future-proof, effective and environmentally friendly logistics. The knowledge gained will be shared with the sector and the scientific community and will form the basis for a future pilot to test its practical applicability.