The preferences of eShoppers regarding eCommerce deliveries are evolving rapidly, increasingly favoring sustainability at the expense of speed (thankfully, we might add).
A recent study by Packlink, also cited by Uomini e Trasporti, revealed a surprising finding: 76% of Italians are willing to accept slower deliveries, provided it helps reduce their environmental footprint.
This shift in mindset represents a significant opportunity for eCommerce businesses to focus on more sustainable logistics solutions, such as Pickup Points and Lockers.
Italians and Green Deliveries: Insights from Packlink
Sustainability vs. Speed
According to the study “Peak Season 2024: Consumer Trends“ conducted by Packlink, Italians are becoming increasingly aware of sustainability in eCommerce deliveries. A striking 76% of respondents stated they prefer slower but more eco-friendly deliveries. In other words, reducing the environmental impact of eCommerce is now more important to shoppers than fast shipping.
This marks a profound change in approach to online shopping, and digital stores must be prepared to adapt.
Younger Generations Lead the Way in Sustainable Delivery Preferences
The study also highlights that awareness of sustainable eCommerce deliveries grows inversely with age. The youngest shoppers, specifically Gen Z (those under 30), are the most conscious: 77.4% favor sustainability over speed. Close behind are Millennials, at 77.3%, while Boomers, though slightly less inclined to sacrifice speed, still reach a noteworthy 73.3%.
This insight is particularly relevant given that younger generations prefer eCommerce over physical stores. According to research on Italian shopping habits by OpinionWay, Payplug, and PrestaShop, 44% of Gen Z members report shopping online as much as they do in stores.
Here are our 5 tips for conquering GEN Z with your eCommerce.
Zero-Emission Shipping and Eco-Friendly Packaging
Interestingly, when it comes to other eco-friendly aspects, such as zero-emission shipping and sustainable packaging, generational preferences shift. 45.3% of Boomers express strong interest in these options, compared to 34.4% of Gen X and 31.8% of Millennials.
These findings suggest that Italian consumers, regardless of age, are ready to reward eCommerce brands that embrace green delivery solutions.
Lockers and Pickup Points: The Key to Sustainable Deliveries
Lockers and Pickup Points are groundbreaking innovations for sustainable logistics. These options allow consumers to collect their online orders from specific locations, such as automated lockers available 24/7 or affiliated stores (Pickup Points), thus reducing home delivery trips and the associated environmental impact.
These systems offer several advantages, including:
- Lower CO₂ emissions thanks to fewer delivery trips per package;
- Fewer failed deliveries, as couriers no longer risk missing recipients at home;
- Greater convenience and flexibility for customers, who can choose when and where to pick up their orders.
Italians’ Use and Appreciation of Out-of-Home Delivery Solutions
An alternative worth noting is Click & Collect, where shoppers order and pay online but pick up their items in-store. This solution is gaining popularity: in 2023, 28% of shoppers planned to use Click & Collect to receive their online orders, according to Deloitte. We discussed this in our recent article on Black Friday 2024.
Discover our Click&Collect service now!
Additionally, the Delivery Index 2024, a report on eCommerce shipping volumes in Italy by Netcomm in collaboration with Poste Italiane, found that in the first quarter of 2024, 18.5% of eCommerce orders were sent to third-party pickup locations (lockers, brand stores, post offices, or courier depots). A surprising finding from the report shows that sustainability and speed are not mutually exclusive: with Lockers and Pickup Points, shoppers can have both!
Speed Meets Sustainability with Lockers and Pickup Points
The study reveals that the average delivery time for home delivery is 3.8 days. For Out-of-Home (OOH) deliveries, such as Lockers or Pickup Points, the average time drops to 3.3 days. Across all product categories analyzed, OOH deliveries consistently have shorter lead times than home delivery.
Using solutions like GEL Proximity, eCommerce businesses can easily offer customers access to over 300,000 Pickup Points across Europe.
The Future of eCommerce Logistics: a Green Transition
Sustainability is no longer an option—it’s a necessity for eCommerce. Educating consumers, promoting sustainable logistics practices, and investing in innovations like Lockers and Pickup Points are essential steps for eCommerce businesses aiming to stay competitive.
Adopting these solutions not only benefits the environment but also enhances customer experience, increasing satisfaction and loyalty.
For eCommerce businesses, now is the time to seize this opportunity by embracing sustainable delivery solutions. What are you waiting for?
