In this in-depth interview, we explore Shipyaari’s commitment to sustainable logistics practices in India and learn from Vishal Totla, COO-Co Founder, Shipyaari about their unique approach to providing end-to-end logistics solutions that are environmentally responsible, commercially viable, and customer-centric.
What is Shipyaari’s unique selling proposition, revenue and kind of sectors they cater to?
Shipyaari is a SaaS-based logistics solutions provider. We are catering to businesses of all scales, primarily focused on E-commerce and D2C brands. Our unique selling proposition is providing end-to-end logistics solutions and a network of over 15 courier partners for timely and cost-effective deliveries. We cater to various sectors such as Fashion, Ed-tech, Health, Pharmaceuticals, Electronics, and more. The company is set to achieve around 25 crores in gross revenue this financial year.
How has Shipyaari contributed to being environmentally responsible, have any steps been taken to reduce the carbon footprint?
Through our extensive research on consumer behaviour, we observed that 70% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable goods. In-fact 20% of shippers are willing to pay a premium for green logistics services.
We are committed to providing sustainable logistics solutions. We have implemented practices that reduce our carbon footprints, such as our focus on Flexi Warehousing and increasing density.
We believe that sustainable practices are crucial for the future of the e-commerce industry and the planet. As such, we are continually exploring new ways to reduce our environmental impact and promote eco-friendly practices within the industry.
What are the gaps that Shipyaari sees as an industry player when it comes to being more sustainable in the logistics sector?
We are continuously exploring new ways to reduce our carbon footprint while also improving our customer experience. One area where we have identified room for improvement is the delivery process, which can result in higher fuel consumption due to multiple delivery attempts.
To address this issue, we are implementing confirmation mechanisms like WhatsApp chatbots that can be used for address verification and availability confirmation. This will minimize instances where customers are not present to receive shipments, thus reducing the need for multiple attempts and lowering fuel burns.
This approach has significant ecological and commercial benefits as it helps reduce fuel consumption and delivery costs while also improving customer satisfaction. Another area where we see room for improvement is the usage of electric vehicles in logistics. While the technology exists, the widespread adoption of electric vehicles is currently limited due to factors such as infrastructure availability and cost.
We are actively exploring options to integrate electric vehicles into our delivery fleet, as we believe that sustainable logistics practices are essential for the future of the industry and the planet. We believe that taking steps towards sustainability is not only essential for the environment but also makes business sense. We will continue to explore and implement innovative solutions to reduce our ecological impact and contribute to a greener future.
With customer demands speeding up, what are Shipyaari’s plans to keep up with the demand while also being eco-logistic friendly?
The demand for hyperlocal delivery services has grown significantly in recent years, as demonstrated by the growth of food and grocery delivery apps. However, this growth has come at a cost to the environment due to increased fuel consumption. One solution to this issue is the use of electric vehicles for hyperlocal deliveries. This shift towards eco-friendly logistics practices can have a significant impact on creating a greener future.
We believe that implementing sustainable practices is not only important for the environment but also makes business sense. We are exploring options to integrate electric vehicles into our delivery fleet to contribute towards a sustainable logistics ecosystem.
What advice can Shipyaari give to other D2C players to be more sustainable?
Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) brands have a unique opportunity to lead the way in promoting sustainability within their businesses and supply chains. As the world becomes more aware of the impact of consumerism on the environment, there is a growing demand for companies to take responsibility and implement sustainable practices.
D2C brands have the advantage of being able to build sustainability into their business models from the ground up, making it easier to promote eco-friendly practices throughout their supply chains.
Use Sustainable Materials – D2C brands can use sustainable materials for their products, such as recycled or biodegradable materials, to reduce their environmental impact. Brands can also source materials from ethical and sustainable suppliers to ensure that the materials are produced in a socially responsible way.
Reduce Packaging Waste – D2C brands can reduce packaging waste by using eco-friendly packaging materials and minimizing the amount of packaging used. Brands can also adopt a circular economy approach by implementing take-back programs and encouraging customers to recycle their packaging.
Sustainable Manufacturing Processes – D2C brands can implement sustainable manufacturing processes, such as using renewable energy sources and reducing water usage. Brands can also minimize waste and emissions by implementing lean manufacturing principles and optimizing production processes.
Can Shipyaari talk about any recent or past CSR initiatives that were taken by the company, what change did the initiative bring?
We have partnered with Smart Commute Foundation to sponsor Bicycle rallies in recent years, as part of our commitment to promoting sustainable practices. These rallies aim to raise awareness of the benefits of cycling as a way to reduce carbon footprint and promote a healthier lifestyle. This is just one example of our efforts to contribute to a greener future. We understand the importance of taking action toward sustainability and are committed to implementing innovative solutions to reduce our ecological impact.
Are there any other industry player’s CSR initiative ideas abroad that Shipyaari would like to bring here to India?
Implementing Green Logistics Practices – Green logistics practices, such as using alternative fuels, optimizing routes, and improving energy efficiency in warehouses and distribution hubs, can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of logistics companies. We continuously strive to implement such practices to contribute to the country’s environmental sustainability goals.
Health and Safety Programs – prioritize employee health and safety by implementing health and safety programs. This could include providing regular health check-ups, promoting healthy living practices, and ensuring workplace safety measures are in place. By prioritizing employee health and safety, logistics companies can create a more positive work environment and enhance employee well-being.
Copy Right @ India CSR
