GLS Germany launches "green" parcel delivery service

GLS Germany has launched a new “green” package delivery service that offers to offset carbon emissions associated with domestic and European shipment activities. The German subsidiary of Amsterdam-based General Logistics Systems said its new offering fit with the company-wide “Think Green” campaign, which is seeking to lessen the carbon footprint of its logistics infrastructure, while also responding to a growing number of customers who demand a climate-neutral shipping service.

The new Think Green parcels service is being provided for a 5-cent premium for domestic delivery and 10-cent charge for European destinations.

Proceeds from the offset fees will then be used in certified reforestation projects. GLS said planting a hectare of trees would absorb on average 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.

“With the Think Green service our customers can make an active contribution to protecting the environment while shipping,” explained Klaus Conrad, managing director at GLS Germany.

“The fact is that when goods are transported, no matter which route they travel emissions arise that cannot be avoided at the moment. We are offering our customers a way to offset those carbon dioxide emissions.”

Businesses that use the GLS Think Green Service will be able to make use of a special logo on their websites linking to specific information on the environmental initiative, in order to raise awareness of the climate-neutral shipping. Those shipping more than 1,000 packages a year on the service will also receive a special certificate.

Customers will be able to use special shipping labels to flag up the packages as “green” shipments.

“This is so that the sender can show their customers that they are committed to sustainable shipping,” said Conrad, “but these carbon offsets will also have a positive impact on their own environmental performance.”