Green Logistics in Europe: Sustainable Development Strategy Using the Example of Germany

Abstract

The article examines the theoretical and practical aspects of implementing green logistics as a tool for advancing the concept of sustainable development in the European Union, using Germany as a case study. The relevance of the topic is determined by the fact that the transport and logistics sector contributes significantly to the European Union’s gross domestic product and employment, while simultaneously remaining one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. The purpose of the study is to generalize the theoretical foundations of sustainable development, to analyze the regulatory impact of the European Green Deal, the EU Taxonomy, and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, and to assess the decarbonization practices of leading German logistics companies. Methods. The methodological framework is based on methods of analysis and synthesis, the comparative method, graphical analysis, SWOT analysis, a systems approach, and the method of generalization. Results. The articleoutlines the evolution of the sustainable development concept from the works of Thomas Malthus, Vladimir Vernadsky, Donella Meadows, Dennis Meadows, Gro Harlem Brundtland, and Herman Daly to contemporary ESG-based corporate strategies. An original hierarchical model of sustainable logistics is proposed, illustrating the interrelationship between the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the European regulatory framework, ESG principles, corporate technologies, CO₂ emission reductions, and enhanced competitiveness. The study includes a SWOT analysis of green logistics in Europe and a comparative assessment of its development in the European Union and Ukraine. Practical solutions implemented by Hapag-Lloyd, DHL Group, and DB Schenker are analyzed, with particular attention to electric vehicles, biofuels, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), hydrogen technologies, digitalization, and circular economy practices. The findings indicate that DHL operates more than 39,000 electric vehicles and aims to increase the share of electrified first- and last-mile transport to 66% by 2030; Hapag-Lloyd seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 33% by 2030; and the use of SAF and biofuels can reduce emissions by up to 80–90%. A forecast for the development of green logistics through 2030, a system of key performance indicators (KPIs), and practical recommendations for Ukrainian enterprises are developed. It is substantiated that the implementation of green logistics principles enhances resource efficiency, investment attractiveness, and the long-term competitiveness of companies. Conclusions. The article argues that, Green logistics is a key instrument for implementing sustainable development principles in the transport and logistics sector. The experience of Hapag-Lloyd, DHL Group, and DB Schenker demonstrates that the use of electric vehicles, alternative fuels, digital technologies, and circular economy practices reduces greenhouse gas emissions and enhances operational efficiency and competitiveness. The proposed recommendations can be applied by Ukrainian enterprises to support decarbonization and integration into European supply chains.