Sustainable logistics is a rapidly evolving field and of central importance to societal transformation. It concerns reducing negative environmental impacts and strengthening social responsibility in today’s and tomorrow’s logistics systems, but also the broader role of logistics in enabling sustainable development. A key focus is how logistics systems can be made more resilient and adaptable in a changing world where climate change, the development of energy systems, and increasing disruptions place new demands on planning, governance, and decision-making, including climate adaptation and enhanced resilience.
My research
My research often takes its point of departure in collaboration between actors and examines, for example, how logistics companies, transport buyers, as well as customers and suppliers, together with municipalities and other public actors, develop practices, business relationships, and more sustainable logistics solutions. I have studied procurement and purchasing of logistics services, knowledge transfer and customer and supplier development, as well as challenges related to performance management and the measurement of the environmental and climate impacts of transport using relevant key performance indicators.
I also conduct research on urban logistics solutions, with a focus on consolidation to address logistics challenges in urban environments, as well as on efficient and environmentally sustainable circular logistics flows. Furthermore, my research addresses how environmental logistics offerings are communicated all the way to the consumer, for example within e-commerce, where delivery choices, last-mile solutions, and returns affect resource efficiency.
A recurring theme is the need for innovation and new ways of thinking, along with the conviction that environmental adaptation cannot be achieved through a single type of measure. We need to challenge the design of the entire logistics system, service requirements related to, for example, time management and delivery precision, and choices of technology, such as increased use of electric vehicles and other fossil-free solutions. In my research, I often use interactive research methods with co-creation, where problem owners—such as companies and public actors—actively participate in the development of knowledge and solutions.
Today, I lead several research projects in the field of environmental logistics and have published more than 30 articles in international scientific journals in this area. In addition, I have authored four textbooks as well as several book chapters and reports.
