From Click to Clean: Consumer-Driven Sustainable Last Mile Logistics

The rise in online shopping has led to increased demand for fast, reliable, and low-cost delivery, impacting both Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) and brick-and-mortar retailers. To stay competitive, many physical stores now offer online sales, which adds pressure to urban infrastructure and impacts the sustainability of first and last mile logistics. While larger LSPs have explored technical solutions like parcel lockers, electric fleets, and city hubs, these often require significant investment, making them inaccessible to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Moreover, consumers and retail SMEs frequently lack awareness of the environmental impact of logistics, making them reluctant to bear associated costs, which threatens the financial viability of smaller LSPs.
The proposed KIEM project Click to Clean addresses the sustainability of last mile logistics as a complex, multi-stakeholder challenge. It emphasizes the importance of involving consumers—not just as passive recipients, but as active participants in shaping more sustainable delivery practices. By focusing on consumer behavior and awareness, Click to Clean aims to uncover new opportunities for improving environmental, social, and financial outcomes for logistics SMEs.
Rather than relying solely on costly technical innovations, Click to Clean explores practical, consumer-driven solutions that are accessible to LSP and retail SMEs. These include strategies that align delivery methods with consumer expectations and values, as well as tools that enhance communication and coordination between all parties involved. The project also highlights the potential of bike couriers, which offer a low-emission, health-promoting alternative to traditional delivery vans. Their services not only reduce urban congestion and pollution but also ensure availability of at-home delivery for vulnerable populations.
Ultimately, Click to Clean seeks to generate actionable insights and prototype solutions that can be adopted by SMEs to enhance their sustainable logistics performance, laying the groundwork for future research and funding opportunities.