The conversation around sustainable logistics has moved beyond setting targets. Across Europe, a growing number of low emission transport corridors are demonstrating how businesses can reduce supply chain emissions today by combining rail, short sea shipping and battery electric road transport into integrated logistics networks.
Rather than relying on a single technology or transport mode, these corridors are proving that meaningful emissions reductions come from collaboration across the entire supply chain.
One of the latest examples is a new low emission corridor connecting Poland with the UK. Developed through a partnership between IKEA and CMA CGM, the route links rail freight in Poland with short sea shipping to Teesport before completing the final leg to IKEA’s Doncaster Distribution Centre using battery electric trucks.
The corridor has been operating since June 2026 and currently deploys two battery electric vehicles carrying around 1,000 full truckload shipments each year. Together, they are expected to complete more than 159,000 kilometres annually without tailpipe emissions.
The project reflects a growing shift towards viewing logistics networks as connected systems rather than individual transport legs. By optimising every stage of a journey, companies can significantly lower emissions while maintaining operational reliability.
The announcement follows another high-profile collaboration unveiled earlier this year between Mars and REWE Group. Working with Einride, the companies established a fully electric freight corridor connecting Germany and Poland. The route replaces diesel powered transport with electric vehicles supported by charging infrastructure and digital planning technology, demonstrating how cross border partnerships can accelerate the transition towards lower emission freight.
Although different in geography and execution, both initiatives highlight the same trend. Businesses are increasingly focusing on creating repeatable transport corridors where lower emission technologies can operate consistently, delivering measurable environmental benefits without compromising service levels.
This represents an important evolution in logistics decarbonisation. For many organisations, the challenge is no longer identifying lower carbon technologies. Instead, it is designing supply chains that allow those technologies to operate efficiently at scale.
Low emission corridors provide a practical answer. They create predictable freight flows, enable investment in supporting infrastructure and encourage closer collaboration between shippers, carriers, ports and logistics providers. As more routes are established, they also build confidence that zero emission transport can become part of everyday operations rather than isolated pilot projects.
The significance extends beyond individual businesses. As corridors expand across Europe, they have the potential to create connected networks where electric road freight, rail and maritime transport complement each other, reducing emissions across international supply chains while strengthening resilience.
The next phase of logistics decarbonisation is unlikely to be defined by a single breakthrough technology. Instead, it will be shaped by organisations willing to work together to redesign how freight moves from origin to destination.
Low emission corridors are quickly becoming one of the clearest examples of that approach in action. They demonstrate that the future of sustainable logistics is not built through isolated investments, but through partnerships that connect cleaner transport modes into scalable, commercially viable networks.
The Mars and REWE Group low emission corridor is one example of how organisations are translating decarbonisation ambitions into operational reality. To hear more about the thinking behind these initiatives, James Rosengren, Global Supply Chain Value Creation and Sustainability at Mars, will be speaking at Sustainable Logistics LIVE London 2026, sharing his perspective on building more sustainable and resilient supply chains. Register now to secure your place: Sustainable Logistics LIVE 2026 London Tickets, Tuesday 10 November • 9 AM – 4:30 PM | Eventbrite