{"id":59225,"date":"2024-04-22T06:24:56","date_gmt":"2024-04-22T10:24:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/?post_type=insight&p=59225"},"modified":"2024-05-23T06:39:48","modified_gmt":"2024-05-23T10:39:48","slug":"earth-day-2024-consumer-trends-in-sustainable-shipping","status":"publish","type":"insight","link":"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/eur\/insights\/earth-day-2024-consumer-trends-in-sustainable-shipping","title":{"rendered":"Earth Day 2024: consumer trends in sustainable shipping"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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As more and more consumers become focused on sustainability<\/a>, businesses have responded with widespread efforts to streamline packaging, reduce waste, and find more eco-conscious shipping methods. But many retailers know they\u2019ll need more than climate pledges to retain customer loyalty and grow sales. In honour of Earth Day, we\u2019re diving into some of our recent consumer research around eco-friendly practices. We’ll explore the practices consumers prioritize and discuss strategies retailers can use to delight them while facing pressure to improve sustainable shipping.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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A Delicate Balance: Time VS Money <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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It\u2019s no secret that sustainable shipping practices often present additional challenges for retailers. Whether you’re combining multiple orders into a single box to streamline last-mile delivery or mapping out more efficient routes for your drivers to reduce emissions. Each change to your fulfillment processes requires a significant investment of time and money.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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As retailers have tried to navigate the trade-offs and maintain profits, they\u2019ve been forced to assess how these challenges will, in turn, affect consumers. For example, are consumers willing to wait a bit longer for their packages?  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Flexible Shipping Timelines  <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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According to our research, 77% of consumers are willing to wait longer for packages shipped via sustainable shipping methods. Of those, 29% is willing to wait 1 day longer and 38% even 3 to 5 days longer. This gives retailers significant wiggle room in delivery timing as they work to streamline last-mile delivery.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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When shipping timelines are extended, however, it\u2019s important to set clear expectations and proactively communicate updates with shoppers. Establishing clear communication channels and sharing regular order updates helps to maintain positive, trusting relationships with shoppers. According to Radial research, 33% of retail executives report that they\u2019re working to provide real-time visibility on order delivery<\/a>. These developments will be critical as delivery timelines flex to meet sustainability benchmarks.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Many brands are also leveraging partnerships with fulfillment providers, like Radial, who can help to automate order updates. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Updated Pricing Models  <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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While ground shipping and reduced packaging help retailers reduce costs in the long run, the transition to more sustainable methods and materials requires to make an initial investment. For many brands, the upfront costs associated with these changes can be a huge barrier.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Partnering with a large 3PL like Radial can streamline last-mile delivery. Additionally, it will help reduce costs and eliminate the barrier for a retailer to make the investment themselves.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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A Growing Focus on Packaging <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Another avenue many retailers are exploring is sustainable packaging<\/a>, and for good reason. Consumers have strong opinions about packaging. Most consumers believe that online retailers should look to packaging to improve their sustainable shipping practices. In our survey, we specifically found that: <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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