Online shopping at large retailers in the United States is 17% more carbon-efficient than visiting traditional stores.
Underpinning this are important assumptions such as the scale of the operation, the number of items purchased, return rates and single use packaging. Consumer behaviour is key.
All retailers need to be on a path to net zero emissions. Ecommerce companies look well placed to make this transition due to their greater control over the logistics chain.
Ecommerce companies should use their technology and data capability to enable sustainable patterns of consumption.