Resource-efficient logistics: Sustainability and efficiency along the supply chain

WAGO manufactures innovative products for automation and connection technology for a wide range of industries—whether in manufacturing, railway and energy technology, marine and offshore applications, or building and lighting technology. Founded in 1951 and headquartered in Minden, Germany, the company now employs 9,000 people worldwide and generated sales of €1.24 billion in 2024.

How can ecological responsibility and economic efficiency be effectively combined in logistics? Together with UNITY and the Efficiency Agency NRW (efa), WAGO—as part of the Resource Efficiency Consulting NRW program funded by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, which covers 50% of the consulting costs—identified key levers along the supply chain and gradually implemented them. The result: measurable effects and a clear, sustainable regulatory framework. A key component was the introduction of digital delivery notes in the central warehouse. Building on this, a scalable concept for communication and international rollout was developed, which has already met with positive feedback and interest from customers. At the same time, logistics flows were analyzed and pilot projects for direct shipping from production plants were carried out. The insights gained from this resulted in a standardized procedure, including decision-making logic for determining the optimal shipping point. This enabled direct shipping to be established for over 150 items – with shorter transport routes and reduced emissions.

In the area of transport materials, systematic pallet allocation was introduced in the DACH region, supplemented by regular inventory monitoring. This creates transparency, reduces losses, and supports regulatory requirements, such as those from the EU Deforestation Regulation. Other pilot projects, such as those on reusable containers or refurbishment approaches, provided valuable insights and resulted in clear guidelines for less scrapping and more reuse – which both conserves resources and creates noticeable cost advantages.

Overall, the measures implemented show how sustainability can be integrated into existing logistics processes in a pragmatic, datadriven, and effective manner – with annual savings potential of around €500,000 and a significant reduction in material use and emissions.