Deutsche Post DHL is to take a lead in developing of logistics models that enable a renewable circular economy, as a member of the Circular Economy 100 of the Ellen MacArther Foundation.
The foundation was set up in 2010 by the round the world sailor to develop the concept of a circular economy that is restorative by intention; aims to rely on renewable energy; minimises, tracks, and hopefully eliminates the use of toxic chemicals; and eradicates waste through careful design.
It has found support from major corporations around the world as well as the European Commission. Members of Circular Economy 100 include Renault, BT, Coca Cola, Unilever and Ikea.
Deutsche Post DHL will focus on improving the understanding and fostering the development of logistics models that enable a more circular flow of goods to allow more effective reuse, remanufacturing and recycling of products and avoid waste.
“Deutsche Post DHL is an international leader in the logistics industry and we are delighted to welcome them to the Circular Economy 100. Reverse logistics is an important enabler in the transition to a circular economy and Deutsche Post DHL will play a key role in providing new insights and collaborative opportunities within the programme,” said Andrew Morlet, CEO of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
In its annual “Reports on the Circular Economy”, the Foundation calculates which measures are necessary and what opportunities already exist. The current study of global value creation chains in 2014 for example revealed that a change to circular supply chains from 2025 could lead to an additional annual worldwide value creation of EUR 780 billion and the creation of 100,000 jobs.
Christof Ehrhart, EVP corporate communications and responsibility at Deutsche Post DHL, said: “Being accepted into this group is a confirmation of our focus on sustainability. The membership also provides a good platform for tackling the major challenges of the future together.
“We all know that resources are limited, that our climate is being affected by carbon emissions, and that our consumer behaviour may lead to greater problems in the future. Joining ideas and forces to tackle these challenges is an important step for coming generations.”
