Shipments without labels: How do these shipments help reduce paper use and CO2 emissions?

Every package we receive comes with packaging materials such as cardboard, paper, ink and tape, which generally end up as waste. While packaging is essential to ensure our products arrive safe and sound, when it comes to labels, the story changes.

Labels are rarely printed with eco-friendly materials or given a second use. Although it may not seem significant, the use of labels in logistics has a significant impact on the planet, especially if we consider the millions of sheets of paper discarded annually. For reference, according to the French Agency for Ecological Transition and Energy Management (ADEME), just one A4 sheet of paper generates 4.58g of CO2.

InPost, in its search to continue integrating sustainable practices, gave way to innovation with its new system: label-free shipments. As its name suggests, it is a digitized shipping system in which there is no need to print the label at home to send the parcel.

An initiative that has a significant impact on reducing the carbon footprint. By eliminating the need to print labels at home, it contributes to a considerable reduction in paper and ink, elements that add up in the fight against climate change.

Reducing the carbon footprint is a key component of InPost's sustainability strategy. Every time a shipment is made through its services, it represents a step toward a greener future and toward achieving its goal of being Net Zero by 2040.

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How can label-free shipments contribute to sustainability?

InPost estimates that its new label-free shipping system will reduce up to 5 tons of CO2 per year, equivalent to driving 70,000 kilometers with a small car. Every shipment made under InPost's label-free system represents a step forward in reducing emissions.

In addition, the new label-free shipping system integrates with InPost's Punto Pack shipping method. A more sustainable shipping method that allows parcels to be sent and received at pickup points. This pickup-point shipping method also helps reduce CO2 emissions.

It is estimated that a shipment to Punto Pack emits 83 grams of CO2, while a traditional home delivery produces 229 grams. This represents a reduction of 146 grams of CO2 per shipment, according to a study by South Pole. *

How does InPost's label-free shipping service work?

The InPost label-free shipping service is a simple and efficient model. The process begins through the InPost platform; when the shipment is paid for, a unique QR code is generated for the parcel. The QR is sent to the customer's email and must be presented at an InPost Punto Pack to process the shipment.

By scanning the QR code at the pickup point, the eco-label is generated. This process saves time and eliminates the need to print labels at home. Each Punto Pack is equipped with printers and eco-friendly supplies, such as paper and inks. This makes it possible to offer a more sustainable service.

Benefits of InPost label-free shipments for users

The label-free shipping service, in addition to being beneficial for the environment, also improves the user experience. The shipping and pickup process becomes faster and simpler, eliminating the need to have a printer at home or to go to a print shop and then send the package.

In addition, the service simplifies the procedures for making returns, making them more convenient and efficient for users. For example, if you want to return a garment from stores like Esdemarca or Lady Pipa, you simply have to repackage it, request the return in the online store, and take it to a Punto Pack, without having to print anything.

The future of sustainable shipping: at InPost, innovation is continuous

As we can see, the need to offer more sustainable solutions in logistics is evident, and this is where InPost is making a difference. Currently, InPost is a leader in Europe in shipments to pickup points. In 2022 alone, InPost managed 745 million parcels, always seeking to integrate sustainable practices at every step of the shipping process. The company continues expanding its presence in new European markets, offering more sustainable shipping services and expanding its network to 60,000 Punto Packs across Europe.

With InPost, sending your parcels is easier and more sustainable than ever. Discover how you can contribute to a more sustainable future and enjoy a hassle-free shipping service. Are you ready to be part of more sustainable logistics?

*The values were estimated in comparison with the emissions associated with a traditional door-to-door shipping system, incorporating a life-cycle approach and following the methodology developed by South Pole, which is based on the guidelines on avoided GHG emissions presented in conceptual frameworks developed by Mission Innovation, the World Resources Institute (WRI), and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. These figures are the result of a weighted average based on internal InPost data.