Aerial view of winding river flowing through lush green wetlands and vegetation.

Optimise your supply chain at every stage

By analysing routes, modes, and assets across your supply chain, you can identify untapped potential for efficiency and decarbonisation—without compromising on speed or reliability.


We support your emissions reduction journey through strategic decision-making, data-driven optimisation and multi-modal solutions—from origin to destination.

Optimising your supply chain is about more than efficiency; it’s about creating lasting impact. Through data-driven supply chain optimisation, businesses can reduce emissions and make smarter decisions that balance performance with sustainability.

From decarbonisation framework, network optimisation and mode selection to predictive analytics, Kuehne+Nagel’s supply chain optimisation services help you build a leaner and more resilient supply chain—one that supports both your business goals and the planet.

A strategic decarbonisation framework


True supply chain optimisation goes beyond operational tweaks; it requires a strategic decarbonisation framework. Together with you, we define carbon reduction targets aligned with your corporate sustainability goals and the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Our approach includes:

  • Mapping your carbon hotspots across transport and warehousing

  • Prioritising the biggest emission reduction levers

  • Developing a long-term roadmap with actionable initiatives

This ensures your emissions reduction strategy is measurable and scalable across regions, suppliers, and logistics partners.

From Air to Sea-Air: Smart mode transitions

Switching from Air freight to Sea-Air transport can cut CO₂ emissions by up to 50% while maintaining competitive transit times.

Sea-Air is a hybrid logistics solution that combines sea and air freight to move your cargo effectively and sustainably. With the reliability of air and the lower carbon intensity of sea, you can achieve the ideal balance between sustainability and service. Benefit from our experts, who can assess your global trade flows to find where Sea-Air lanes can deliver the biggest environmental and cost advantages.

Air and sea route optimisation


A key step in supply chain optimisation is analysing your transport routes to eliminate unnecessary miles and carbon emissions. Using advanced visibility tools and predictive analytics, we create a more efficient network design for your business. This includes:

  • Selecting alternative ports or hubs closer to your final market

  • Optimised routing for fewer empty kilometres, shorter transit times, and measurable carbon savings

Cargo containers at harbor in Shanghai.
Engineer are work in container shipping industry warehouse, logistic transport to import and export cargo at delivery storage port terminal.

Container and trailer utilisation


Underutilised assets are one of the biggest hidden emission drivers. By improving container and trailer utilisation, we help you move more goods per shipment, reducing total transport frequency and carbon output. Our optimisation tools and planning teams ensure that:

  • Every cubic metre is transported efficiently

  • Loading patterns are redesigned for maximum space usage

  • Empty returns are minimised through smart network planning

  • Better utilisation occurs, meaning fewer trips and lower emissions

  • Consolidating shipments to reduce partial loads

Intermodal solutions


Intermodal logistics offers one of the most effective ways to reduce emissions across the supply chain. By combining rail, road, and sea in one integrated network, we optimise both speed and sustainability. Our global intermodal services connect key production and consumption markets, offering:

  • Lower carbon intensity than single-mode road transport

  • Reliable transit times supported by digital visibility

  • Seamless coordination between carriers and handovers

Packaging optimisation


Your packaging strategy can make a measurable difference to your supply chain footprint. By reducing packaging volume, weight, and materials, you save space, fuel, and emissions across every transport mode. Our experts help design packaging solutions that are:

  • Space-efficient and right-sized

  • Made from renewable or recyclable materials

  • Optimised for automated handling and transport efficiency

Sustainable packaging not only supports carbon reduction but also reduces waste and improves overall supply chain resilience.

Aerial view of young male warehouse worker pulling a pallet truck with boxes.

Explore our sustainable solutions