DHL Supply Chain: Innovation and sustainability for the future of logistics

The panorama of global logistics is preparing for a significant transformation,
With more and more complex supply chain which require adaptability to different situations and contexts and in constant change. DHL Supply Chain, a global leader in logistics, anticipates the trends that will shape the sector in 2025, with particular attention
to innovation, sustainability and resilience.

According to Hendrik Venter, CEO of DHL Supply Chain for Europe, Middle East and Africa, “The logistical panorama is going through one unprecedented transformation, thanks to the impulse given by automation, from artificial intelligence and the need for diversified supply strategies. In a context of growing geopolitical instability and changes in consumer behaviors, DHL reiterates its commitment to provide agile, efficient and sustainable solutions, helping companies face future challenges and growing in a global market in constant evolution “.

Macrotuals can be summarized in: global connection; geopolitical instability; diversification of supply chain with omni-souring strategies; Sustainability and outsourcing of logistics, not only as a strategic choice, but as a real necessity for companies that want to compete in an increasingly complex market. Relying on specialized partners allows you to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and respond quickly to market developments, guaranteeing innovation, sustainability and a solid competitive advantage. In this context, companies must be able to count on Reliable and efficient supply chain pis guaranteeing resilience and competitiveness. A logistics provider must be able to offer one Solid global coverage, innovative solutions based on artificial intelligence and automationand a strong commitment to sustainability. The integration of advanced technologies and a proactive approach to ESG regulations allow companies to optimize operations, improve efficiency and ensure sustainable management of the supply chain.

As a world leader in the logistics sector, DHL Supply Chain stands out for its ability to respond to market demands thanks to several factors:
• Strategic investments in the main global markets, including Europe, Middle East, South-East Asia, India and Latin America. The proactive strategy in the real estate area of ​​DHL allows you to grow rapidly and guarantee better management of volumes.
• Talent and human resources. With over 112,000 employees in the world, the company undertakes to enhance talent through rapid onboarding programs and innovative internal communication tools; Because when operations work correctly, the business takes advantage of it.
• Digitization and innovation: DHL adopts an approach structured in the implementation of new technologies, with over 9,000 collaborative robots in operation and more than 80% of the warehouses equipped with advanced technological solutions.
• Sustainability: by the end of the year, all 1,500 warehouses in the world will be at zero emissions, with 93% of energy from renewable sources.

Aware of the considerable impact of transport, DHL is engaged in the DEcarbonization of the fleetadopting, for example, sustainable fuels where possible.
This approach is confirmed by group results; The turnover of the Supply Chain division grew by 4.3% in 2024. This increase was supported by new activities, a high percentage of contractual renewals and by the growth of the e-commerce business. Ebit has increased by 11.1%, achieving a record result of over 1 billion euros. In addition to the growth of revenues, the increase in productivity through the digitization And standardization has contributed to the improvement of profits.

The strategy “DHL Group 2030” It aims to accelerate sustainable growth for the company and for its customers, focusing on optimization drivers. In particular, the group has integrated all the members of its Roadmap ESG in the corporate strategy, pursuing measurable objectives in environmental, social and governance areas. For example, the greenhouse gase emissions related to logistics (GHG Emissions) must be reduced to less than 29 million tons of equivalent CO2 (CO2E; Scope 1, 2 and 3) by 2030, despite the expected growth of the business.

Direct staff, automation and digitization priorities in Italy

The staff of DHL Supply Chain Italy consists of more than 2,600 employees and continues in the sign of growth, understood not only as a dimensional and qualitative development, which aims at excellence, maintaining simplification for business unit with specialization for business market and for sales channels.
Antonio Lombardo, president and CEO DHL Supply Chain Italy underlines “We work to increase the culture and professionalism of our employees, who in DHL, in addition to obtaining continuous training, can specialize in new tasks. This allows to offer excellent services, maintaining the standardization of the processes according to the principles of WHO, the Operations Management System of DHL, and offering constant improvement of the results. In addition, to invest in innovative solutions to streamline processes and focus the work of people on real added value activities, offering solutions that bring a concrete advantage to the business of our customers “.

Among these:
– the assisted Picking Robot (APR) with 100 robot locus in use on the Santa Palomba campus (Rome), Settala (Milan) and on the Vignate website (Milan);
– “Goods to person” automation thanks to the 140 skypods and a fully automated high density storage system (ASRS – Automated Storage and Retrieval System) at work on the Livraga website (Lodi), which bring Accuray, speed and reduction of Lead Time;
–    gli Indoor robotic transport, forklift automatici;
– the boxes on demand, a system that builds tailor -made boxes according to the necessary dimensions, thus optimizing the transport and reduction of packaging;
–    i “supporting robots”, ovvero i cleaning, wrapping, dimensioning robot;
– the Telescopic Convenor for the unloading of the means;
– The intelligent process automation software that automate repetitive activities by speeding them up.