Driving a Greener Future: Flipkart’s Commitment to 100% Electric Deliveries by 2030: Q&A with Nishant Gupta

Are you curious about how India’s homegrown e-commerce organization embeds sustainability into its operations? Sustainability is crucial today as it addresses the global challenges of climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality. In the corporate context, sustainability is essential for long-term success, risk management, and aligning with regulatory expectations. Consumers increasingly prioritize brands that demonstrate a commitment to environmental and social good, and they connect deeply with organizations whose values reflect a shared purpose for positive global impact. This builds trust, loyalty, and competitive advantage for businesses. In this Q&A, Nishant Gupta, Head of Sustainability at Flipkart, unveils the company’s bold initiatives, from eliminating single-use plastics to electrifying last-mile deliveries. Dive into Flipkart's transformative journey as they set a new benchmark for responsible business, working towards 100% electric vehicle deliveries by 2030 and redefining the future of e-commerce with sustainable innovation.

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In the rapidly evolving landscape of e-commerce, sustainability is no longer a buzzword but a business imperative. At Flipkart, we’ve embraced this transformation, embedding sustainability deeply into our core operations and long-term strategy. From eliminating single-use plastics across our supply chain to setting an ambitious target of powering 100% of our last-mile deliveries with electric vehicles by 2030, we are committed to driving real, measurable change.
In this Q&A, Nishant Gupta, Head of Sustainability at Flipkart, takes us behind the scenes to discuss how these sustainability efforts are not just about reducing our environmental impact, but about future-proofing business, fostering innovation, and meeting the growing demands of conscious consumers. He sheds light on Flipkart’s advanced technologies like AI and machine learning that optimize delivery routes, reduce emissions, and make operations more eco-efficient, especially during peak festive seasons like Big Billion Days.

How important is it for e-commerce companies to have a clear sustainability vision in today’s world?

At Flipkart, sustainability touches every part of our value chain to create meaningful change. We’ve invested in electrifying our logistics network, aiming for a 100% electric vehicle-powered last-mile fleet by 2030. We’ve minimized packaging waste by using recycled materials, reducing packaging sizes, and eliminating single-use plastic from our supply chain. We have continued exploring eco-friendly alternatives to further lessen our environmental impact.

Additionally, we have diverted approximately 3,000 tonnes of non-hazardous solid waste from landfills, and implemented water conservation efforts, recycling over 67 million liters of wastewater last year across key facilities.

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It is crucial to understand that sustainability is not an afterthought; it is a fundamental part of our operations and a long-term vision. Companies that embed sustainability into their core will not only ensure long-term growth but also lead the way in shaping a more responsible and resilient industry.

With the festive season approaching and given the nature of the business, how is Flipkart responsibly driving sustainable goals across its supply chain?

Through advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning, we are optimizing delivery routes and minimizing emissions to ensure that our festive operations align with our sustainability goals. As we collaborate with sellers, consumers, and partners, our focus remains on bringing delight to our customers and driving positive environmental impact, ensuring that celebrations are sustainable for generations to come.

Sustainability is at the core of our business, and our efforts are aimed at reducing our carbon footprint, increasing energy efficiency, and promoting the responsible use of natural resources. A key achievement in this journey has been the elimination of 100% single-use plastic packaging in our supply chain as of July 2021, by using eco-friendly packaging alternatives and innovations like paperless invoicing.

Our approach to sustainability is exemplified by our goal to source 100% renewable electricity for all our operations by 2030, marking a significant milestone in the Indian e-commerce landscape. This initiative is further supported by our commitment to the Climate Group’s RE100 initiative. Our largest fulfillment center, in Haringhata, West Bengal, is powered entirely by renewable energy during the daytime with a solar rooftop plant. This facility has earned the prestigious Green Warehouse Platinum Certification from IGBC, making Flipkart the first e-commerce company to achieve this recognition on such a scale.

It is also gratifying to see that sustainability-related initiatives are being run & driven by multiple teams as part of their work, indicating high levels of ownership and a decentralized model showing success.

Delivery fleets are the backbone of e-commerce businesses. What is Flipkart’s view on integrating electrical vehicles (EVs) in its fleet and what is the vision?

We are deeply invested in transitioning our delivery fleet to electric vehicles and are making significant strides in this direction. Our EV fleet for last-mile deliveries has seen a 70% year-on-year growth. A key aspect of this transition has been the expansion of our charging infrastructure around our hubs.

Our advancements are evident with our grocery delivery EV fleet having witnessed a 140% year-on-year overall growth and over 50% of our grocery deliveries are now being made through EVs. Through our strategic partnership with the Climate Group’s EV100 initiative and collaborations with leading OEMs such as Hero Electric, Mahindra Electric, and Piaggio, we are well-positioned to achieve a 100% last-mile electric fleet by 2030. This shift not only aligns with our broader vision for sustainability but also enhances the service experience for our wishmasters by providing a smoother, more efficient and cost-effective mode of transport. For our customers, it ensures a greener delivery service, supporting a healthier planet while ensuring a seamless and reliable shopping experience.

What measures should e-commerce companies take to minimize packaging waste from their supply chain?

E-commerce companies must adopt a holistic strategy that encompasses technological innovation and sustainable material practices. This includes leveraging advanced technologies to ensure that packaging is precisely optimized for the product’s dimensions, which reduces use of excess material. Transitioning to sustainable materials such as recycled and biodegradable options is crucial for mitigating environmental impact.

For instance, Flipkart has advanced our packaging processes by using AI and machine learning to optimize packaging sizes. Our goal is to eliminate secondary packaging wherever possible.

Can you share an overview of the innovative designs or technologies that are being implemented at Flipkart’s warehouses and logistics operations to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions?

In our pursuit of a sustainable and greener future, we are leveraging technology to drive transformative changes across our supply chain. Through data science, we tailor packaging solutions by analyzing product dimensions, fragility, and nature, minimizing excessive packaging.
To reduce our carbon footprint, we’ve integrated AI and machine learning to optimize delivery routes and resource management. AI-driven tools like ‘geocoding and address intelligence’ have improved address accuracy and reduced off-routing, cutting fuel consumption and emissions. Our logistics efficiency is further enhanced by real-time sensors and dynamic sorting logic for precise package segregation.

Energy efficiency is also a priority, the majority of our facilities rely heavily on renewable energy. Moreover, our warehouses are equipped with cutting-edge technologies like automated storage and retrieval systems, robotic packaging arms, and cross-belt sorters. These advancements have reduced turnaround times by 35%-50% and enhanced overall efficiency. Nearly 40% of our processes, including storage and packaging, are automated, with 70% of this technology developed in India.

How is Flipkart engaging MSMEs in its sustainability initiatives?

At Flipkart, we recognize the vital contribution of MSMEs to the economy and the important role they play in our supply chain. As part of our broader sustainability efforts, we are continuously exploring ways to engage our MSME partners in adopting more environmentally friendly practices. This includes encouraging the use of sustainable packaging, exploring energy-efficient solutions, and providing access to knowledge and resources that help them operate more sustainably.

We are committed to building a collaborative approach where MSMEs can thrive alongside our sustainability initiatives, and we work closely with them to create value that benefits the business, the environment, and society at large.

Read more Q&As on Flipkart Stories and browse relevant news coverage in our Newsroom section.

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