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Eco‐labeling of freight transport services: Design, evaluation, and research directions

Author

Listed:
  • Thomas Kirschstein
  • Arne Heinold
  • Martin Behnke
  • Frank Meisel
  • Christian Bierwirth

Abstract

The idea of eco‐labeling is to provide customers with an easy‐to‐understand signal regarding the ecological impact of using a product or service. With this paper, we propose an eco‐labeling system for freight transportation. We discuss design options based on a common emission reporting standard and a related communication protocol. We further explain a procedure for deriving labels for shipments of goods and provide examples illustrating and evaluating the labeling process at selected land‐based freight transport services. Results indicate that eco‐labels can grade the environmental impact of a transport service reliably, even if heterogeneous goods are moved together. Finally, we outline challenges for future research associated with eco‐labeling in freight transportation markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Kirschstein & Arne Heinold & Martin Behnke & Frank Meisel & Christian Bierwirth, 2022. "Eco‐labeling of freight transport services: Design, evaluation, and research directions," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 26(3), pages 801-814, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:inecol:v:26:y:2022:i:3:p:801-814
    DOI: 10.1111/jiec.13259
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Agatz, N.A.H. & Fleischmann, M., 2023. "Demand Management for Sustainable Supply Chain Operations," ERIM Report Series Research in Management ERS-2023-001-LIS, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
    2. Yuankai Zhang & Xiangpei Hu & Qiong Tian, 2026. "Order consolidation for the last-mile split delivery problem with green labels," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 359(1), pages 895-919, April.

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