Resource‑efficient logistics.
by Dr Nicole Diehlmann
In 2025, some 3.2 million parcels left the Bechtle Group’s logistics centres in Neckarsulm, Hamburg and Bielefeld on their way to customers. With a sustainable logistics concept, Bechtle aims to continuously reduce the CO₂ emissions and resource consumption generated by storage, packaging and transport.
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The concept fits seamlessly into Bechtle’s sustainability strategy: “We take a holistic view and structure our activities into three areas: intralogistics and distribution, packaging and resources, and emissions,” explains Jannik Böhm, Sustainable Logistics Manager at Bechtle’s headquarters in Neckarsulm. The sustainable logistics concept provides the strategic framework for all operational sustainability measures within Bechtle Logistics.
We optimise our logistics processes and packaging solutions for customer deliveries with a focus on ecological efficiency, guided by the principles of reduction, reuse, recycling, and the use of renewable raw materials.
Jannik Böhm, Sustainable Logistics Manager, Bechtle
Overview of selected measures.
- Materials matter: All shipping boxes and packing materials used are made from FSC‑certified material.
- Multiple use: Boxes in good condition are reused. A label informs customers that the box has been used before.
- Environmentally-certified paper: Delivery notes are printed on Blauer Engel‑certified recycled paper, in most cases double‑sided.
- Right‑sized boxes: A range of box sizes and the option to fold them to different heights help reduce shipment volumes.
- One multi-site strategy: The multi‑warehouse strategy implements sustainability initiatives across all locations.
- Energy from sun and geothermal sources: The roof of the Neckarsulm logistics centre is fitted with photovoltaic panels, and a geothermal system beneath the building supplements the renewable power generated from sunlight.
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Brighter lighting, lower energy consumption: In 2025, all lighting in the Neckarsulm warehouse was converted to LED with more than 1,900 LED fixtures installed.
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Carefully separated, better for recycling: Separating packaging materials by type in the warehouses, followed by processing at recycling centres, ensures an efficient recycling process.
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Measuring brings clarity: Bechtle records all transport emissions across sites using data on distance, weight and tonne‑kilometres, allowing ongoing analysis of CO₂‑emission trends.
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A focus on employee health: Ergonomic workbench heights, anti‑fatigue mats, short reach distances and suitable tools such as the ProGlove wearable scanner help reduce physical strain and support efficient workflows.
Sustainable logistics with added customer value.
The FSC system aims to ensure that forests are managed in line with the social, economic and ecological needs of present and future generations. FSC promotes the development of natural mixed forests, the protection of forest soil and the conservation of rare species and ecosystems. As a result, FSC‑certified forests are more resilient to a changing climate and can bind more CO₂ over the long term as functioning ecosystems. FSC also ensures fair and equitable compensation for those employed in forestry.