Updated February 2026
As e‑commerce grows in Canada, so does its environmental impact. Transportation and delivery are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, especially when fast shipping and inefficient routing are prioritized. For Canadian merchants and logistics providers, adopting sustainable logistics isn’t just good for the planet — it’s becoming a competitive advantage.
Experts recommend first understanding your carbon footprint and emission drivers across delivery, packaging, and returns. According to Sustainability in E‑Commerce: 7 Ways Your Brand Can Reduce Its Carbon Footprint, freight transport alone contributes around 8% of global carbon emissions, with last‑mile delivery as a major part of that footprint. Companies are encouraged to adopt greener shipping solutions, use EVs, and optimize delivery routes to cut emissions overall.
Key Strategies for Reducing Carbon Footprints in E‑commerce
Sustainable logistics involves a mix of operational changes and technology adoption. Below are impactful strategies that Canadian e‑commerce businesses and logistics partners like Koorier can implement to reduce emissions and improve delivery efficiency:
Route Optimization and Green Technologies
One of the most effective ways to cut emissions is by planning more efficient delivery routes. A logistics industry review on green logistics practices highlights that using AI‑powered route planning, GPS telemetry, and delivery data analytics can reduce miles driven, idle time, and overall fuel consumption — all of which directly lowers carbon emissions.
Warehousing and Packaging
Sustainable warehousing and packaging are also key. A Kuehne+Nagel Canada sustainability article notes that companies are increasingly powering warehouses with renewable energy and adopting recyclable packaging, both of which shrink operational emissions and enhance brand reputation.
3PL and Green Logistics Collaboration
Third‑party logistics providers (3PLs) are also stepping up their sustainability efforts. Analysis from JIT Transportation shows that 3PLs using machine learning for route optimization and shipment consolidation have achieved emission reductions of 10–20% through smarter operations.
Real Canadian Context
While specific Canadian e‑commerce carbon reports are growing, a Springer Nature (2026) study on Canada’s carbon emissions confirms that trade and transportation are significant drivers of national emissions, underlining the importance of sustainable logistics solutions for supply chain decarbonization.
Challenges and How Koorier Helps
Implementing sustainability comes with challenges — such as fleet upgrades, accurate emissions tracking, and customer communication about eco‑friendly delivery options. Koorier addresses these by integrating AI‑powered route optimization, real‑time carbon monitoring, and data reporting features into its platform, helping e‑commerce brands both lower their footprint and communicate sustainability progress to eco‑conscious customers.
Take Action: Make Your Deliveries Greener
Koorier’s sustainable logistics solutions help Canadian e‑commerce businesses reduce carbon footprints, optimize routes, and improve delivery performance — all while aligning with modern consumer expectations for eco‑friendly operations.
Request a demo today to see how Koorier can help your business deliver smarter and greener in 2026 and beyond.
Author & Authority
By Giovanna Freitas
Marketing specialist at Koorier
About Koorier
Koorier is a Canadian logistics technology company specializing in regional last-mile delivery networks and real-time delivery visibility for retailers and enterprises.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is sustainable logistics?
A: Sustainable logistics refers to strategies that reduce the environmental impact of delivery operations, including routing, fleet emissions, warehouse energy use, and packaging waste.
Q2: How can Canadian e‑commerce companies reduce carbon emissions?
A: Adopting AI‑optimized routing, electric delivery vehicles, distributed warehousing, and eco‑friendly packaging are proven strategies.
Q3: Does sustainable logistics increase costs?
A: While some investments (e.g., EV fleets) have upfront costs, optimized operations often reduce overall expenses and strengthen brand reputation.
