Green Logistics Innovationfor Emerging Markets:Driving Competitivenessand Shared Value I N S I G H TR E P O R TN O V E M B E R2 0 2 5 Contents Foreword3 Executive summary4 1Green logistics: the key to resilient global value chains5 1.1Logistics as a key driver for global development61.2Green transformation as a strategic6imperative for logistics growth 2Innovation in action: technology levers11and industry practices in green logistics 2.1The 15 innovation levers driving logistics transformation122.2Industry applications and best practices in emerging markets132.3Lessons learned for scaling impact18 3Blueprint to scale green logistics transformation20 3.1Build an integrated policy and regulatory framework213.2Mobilize green and transition finance243.3Upskill the workforce273.4Cultivate ecosystem collaboration28 Call to action: a global agenda for green logistics30 Contributors31 Endnotes33 Disclaimer This document is published by theWorld Economic Forum as a contributionto a project, insight area or interaction.The findings, interpretations andconclusions expressed herein are a resultof a collaborative process facilitated andendorsed by the World Economic Forumbut whose results do not necessarilyrepresent the views of the World EconomicForum, nor the entirety of its Members,Partners or other stakeholders.©2025 World Economic Forum. All rightsreserved. No part of this publication maybe reproduced or transmitted in any formor by any means, including photocopyingand recording, or by any informationstorage and retrieval system. Foreword Gim Huay NeoManaging Director and Chair,Greater China, World Economic Forum Sebastian BuckupManaging Director,World Economic Forum Yvonne ZhouManaging Director and Senior Partner,Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Logistics is the backbone of global connections,enabling the movement of goods, services andpeople across and within regions, catalysingeconomic and social developments. Freighttransport, including supporting facilities suchas warehouses and ports, accounts for 11%of global greenhouse gas emissions and is alsoone of the hardest-to-abate sectors globally. As part of the Net-zero Opportunities forValue-chain Action (NOVA) initiative, this report,developed by the World Economic Forum incollaboration with Boston Consulting Group(BCG), provides an overview of innovativetechnologies and new business models thathave been deployed to accelerate the sector’sgreen transition in EMDEs. Digitalization and technological advancements,together with evolving and shifting trade flows,provide an opportunity to enhance operationalefficiencies, cut emissions and drive industry growthand competitiveness. Interviews and workshops were conductedwith advisers and experts across the ecosystemto gather insights and best practices that cansupport logistics ecosystem leaders in advancingtowards a more sustainable, resilient and inclusivefuture. The report further identifies actions thatgovernment and other stakeholders can taketo scale deployment and adoption efforts. Emerging markets and developing economies(EMDEs), at varying levels of technology and businessmodel readiness, are already making notableprogress by embracing state-of-the-art innovationsto support the green transitions of the logistics sector. We thank all community members for their valuableguidance, inputs and feedback. Executive summary The imperative green transition in logistics callsfor collaborative value chain actions to delivereconomic, environmental, and societal benefits. The global logistics sector is a strategic enablerof trade and development, projected to reachnearly $8 trillion in value. Maritime transportremains the backbone of global freight, whileroad and rail transport are expanding rapidly,driven by supply chain reconfiguration, surginge-commerce and the adoption of digital and low-carbon technologies. However, scaling requires overcoming systemicbarriers in emerging markets: –Policy and regulatory fragmentationcreate uncertainty.–Limited resources, high costs, and skillsgaps constrain adoption.–Lack of ecosystem-wide alignment andpersistent data fragmentation impede progress. Beyond its economic importance, logistics carriesa substantial environmental footprint, contributing11% of global emissions. The sector also playsa vital role in inclusive growth, supporting 10%of global employment. To address these, the report offersa practical playbook: –Build an integrated policyand regulatory framework. –Mobilize green finance,including transition finance.–Upskill the workforce.–Cultivate ecosystem collaboration. Yet logistics faces five major challenges: 1Geopolitical disruptions and rising costs2Infrastructure gaps and inefficiencies3Decarbonization pressures and climate risk4Labour shortages and skills mismatches5Rising consumer expectations Call to action: a global agendafor green logistics These vulnerabilities highlight the need forsustainable, resilient solutions. Green logistics