A quantitative study of energy consumption factors for three types of distribution channels

• PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of six energy consumption factors (unsold products, product returns, packaging, freight transport, passenger transport and buildings) on the total energy consumption in three types of distribution channels for e-commerce and conventional trade.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a quantitative calculation model where input data for the energy factors can be varied. The model is used to calculate the energy consumption for six IKEA products, four textile products (based on the supply chain of Nudie Jeans) and books, which were early e-commerce products. It calculates and compares the energy consumption in distribution via a store, a pick-up point and home delivery for six energy consumption factors. Data are collected from various sources, such as archival data, NTM, Swedish Transport Administration, Ecoinvent and SimaPro. In the calculations, a baseline scenario is first outlined for each product based on the current supply chain and product characteristics. Second, the baseline scenario is compared to a time optimisation scenario and an energy minimisation scenario. Third, the impact of the energy consumption factors on the total energy consumption in different distribution channels are analysed. FindingsThe findings shows the relative importance of six energy consumption factors (unsold products, product returns, packaging, freight transport, passenger transport and buildings) on the total energy consumption in distribution systems with home delivery, pick-up points and store sales for various types of products. It also discusses the importance of each energy consumption factor in the three types of distribution channels. Furthermore, by analysing the freight transport factor, we get insights into energy differences in global and domestic supply chains.Research limitations/implications The paper study retail and textile products as well as books in three supply chains.Practical implicationsThe findings can help supply chain managers in 1) selecting environmentally efficient distribution systems (home delivery, pick-up point or store) and 2) to prioritise work efforts between the six energy consumption factors within each distribution system to reduce total energy consumption.Original/valueThe paper provides new insights into both relative and absolute effects of unsold products, product returns, packaging, freight transport, passenger transport and buildings on the total energy consumption of three types of distribution channels for e-commerce and conventional trade.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Samhällsbyggnadsteknik -- Transportteknik och logistik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Civil Engineering -- Transport Systems and Logistics (hsv//eng)

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