As the logistics sector faces mounting pressure to reduce its environmental impact, industry leaders are stepping up with innovative strategies and collaborative solutions. In a series of interviews taken at Logiconomi 2025, we talk with executive leaders from Toyota Material Handling Europe and EcoVadis who shared their perspectives on how sustainability is reshaping logistics in 2025.
Automation: a triple win
Patric Hed, SVP Logistics Solutions at Toyota Material Handling Europe, emphasises the multifaceted benefits of automation in logistics. “From a sustainability perspective, automation can really help out in many areas,” he explains. “It creates a safer workplace, removes repetitive and potentially harmful tasks and improves job satisfaction, which can lead to greater efficiency and productivity.”
Beyond the human element, automation also contributes to achieving environmental goals. “With automation, you get more control of your flows,” Patric notes, “Damaged goods can amount to as much as 10% of operational costs. Reducing the number of damages not only supports environmental efforts but also contributes to long-term prosperity—by enhancing resource efficiency and strengthening business resilience.”
Regulation, AI and the rise of ESG expectations
Pierre-François Thaler, CEO & Co-founder at EcoVadis, highlights the growing regulatory landscape and the dual role of AI in sustainability. “Sustainability was voluntary. It’s becoming mandatory,” he says. “AI is both a huge challenge, because of its emissions, and a huge opportunity, as it might help us solve today’s problems.”
He sees logistics providers as uniquely positioned to lead. “They are the perfect link between environmental and social issues. If you can be best in class on ESG dimensions, you can win new vendors and markets.”
Pierre-François points to a recent innovation in France as a model that can bring massive change in freight: “A collaboration between Sanef (a motorway operator company in France), CEVA Logistics and Engie is creating an electric ‘Pony Express’ of trucking—cutting emissions by four times and reducing freight times by 35%.”
This concept refers to a relay-style trucking system, where drivers cover shorter segments of a long-haul route rather than driving the entire distance themselves. The result is not only a significant reduction in emissions and delivery times but also improved working conditions for drivers by working and driving in their region.
Science-based targets and customer-driven change
Tom Schalenbourg, Director Corporate Sustainability at Toyota Material Handling Europe, underscores the role of customer expectations in driving sustainability. “Over 80% of our European key account customers are going beyond legal compliance by setting science-based targets to reach net zero by 2050, or even earlier.”
He cites IKEA and DSV as examples of companies making bold moves. “IKEA is working to cut supply chain emissions by 50% by 2030, using more energy-efficient trucks and renewable electricity. DSV has partnered with Volvo Trucks to purchase 300 electric lorries in one go.”
According to Tom Schalenbourg, customers are increasingly choosing suppliers who share their values. “They’re looking for transparency, accountability and strong delivery on sustainability targets. Leaders search for leaders.”
Enabling sustainable performance
Logiconomi is a communication platform, created by Toyota Material Handling Europe, to identify and understand challenges, trends and emerging technologies in the logistics industry. The aim is to support all players active in the logistics industry with insights and inspiration for improved logistics operations.
Discover more trends as we uncover more interviews in this blog series or in our latest trend report.
