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Green vs Grey Supply Chains: Choosing Sustainable Logistics

By GEORGE GLORY OPEKU, Portlink Ghana Limited, Ghana

In logistics, you often hear terms like “green” and “grey” supply chains. The green route suggests sustainability: low emissions, minimal waste, renewable energy where possible. Grey, well—that’s the traditional path, often prioritizing cost and speed, sometimes at the expense of the planet. Over time, though, “grey” isn’t just a color—it might fade into irrelevance. Let me explain why this matters, especially from the perspective of Portlink Ghana Limited in Ghana, where both types of supply chains are playing out.

What Makes a Supply Chain “Green”?

A green supply chain integrates environmental thinking at every step—from sourcing and transport to warehousing and delivery.

It might mean:

Cleaner transport: using low-emission trucks, GPS-driven route optimisation, less idling.

Eco-packaging: biodegradable wraps or reusable pallets.

Renewable energy: solar panels on warehouse roofs, LED lighting, efficient cooling.

Waste minimisation: recycling, repurposing packaging, optimising space.

These aren’t abstract ambitions—we’ve implemented them at Portlink. They mean measurable reductions in pollution, resource use, and long-term cost.

Why “Grey” Supply Chains Persist

Grey logistics still has its place.

Often, the pushback on green is practical: new vehicles are expensive, solar installation costs money upfront, packaging protocols are legacy systems. In Ghana—and many parts of Africa—some clients just need goods delivered and aren’t paying extra for environmental improvements. Their mindset can be: a pallet’s a pallet, green or grey, as long as it arrives.

Even I’ve had moments of hesitation—the initial cost of switching to reusable wraps made me wonder if it was worth it. But then you weigh long-term savings and brand reputation. It’s a calculation—and, in many cases, green wins out.

Real-World Example: Portlink’s Reusable Packaging Pilot

Here’s a case: we piloted reusable pallet wraps and blankets for a textile exporter. Instead of plastic film, we used secure straps and reusable blankets. There was a bump during rollout—warehouses needed to adjust workflows—but the result was clear: around a 30% drop in plastic waste and no increase in damage claims.

It’s not revolutionary. But it’s proof that small steps matter. And that green can be practical.

Clean Energy in Warehousing

Another grey-to-green shift happened in our Tema warehouse. We installed LED lights, skylights, and scheduled shutdowns for idle machinery. It saved about 15% in energy costs. And then came solar panels—yes, a bigger investment, but they’re projected to cover 40% of lighting needs when operational.

Those savings go right back to client charges. It’s not about charging more—it’s about doing better infrastructure upgrades without inflating costs. Sustainability, but not at the expense of affordability.

Transport Emissions: Tech Meets Tradition

Trucks and emissions? Yes, that’s where logistics sometimes stumbles.

We started equipping our fleet with telematics: idle-time alerts, route optimisation, maintenance reminders. The result? Fuel use dropped by 8% last year. Our drivers now get real-time guidance—slow acceleration, engine-shutdown reminders when waiting—and they’re engaging with the system. They see fuel savings translate to performance rewards. That’s not just green—it’s smart operations.

It’s entirely possible to cut emissions and shorten driver shifts—without compromising delivery times.

Building the Green Mindset

We’ve learned green isn’t a one-off project—it’s a culture. We host monthly “green huddles” where teams talk about emissions, waste, or energy. They share ideas: reuse this, reroute that, repurpose cardboard. One driver suggested practising convoy travel for rice shipments—saving both fuel and travel time.

These conversations don’t feel forced. They’re organic. People see how their actions affect results and they respond.

When Might Grey Be Preferred?

Not every shipment can be entirely green. Emergency medical kits? Perhaps a hurried air shipment makes sense. Heavy machinery that needs sea freight? Grey routes may win on emissions density when all's considered.

The trick is transparency. We often sit with clients and explain: “Here are the greener options, here’s what they cost, here’s the impact.” And they choose consciously. That informed choice builds respect and trust.

Why Green Matters Now More Than Ever

Global markets are shifting. Eco-conscious consumers, trade regulations, sustainability audits—they’re all changing the rules. At the 2025 Go Global Awards in London this November, hosted by the International Trade Council, conversations won’t just be about profit—they’ll be about planet. Green credentials won’t be extras—they’ll be essentials.

We’re proud to represent Ghana at that forum—because logistics here are evolving, and our work at Portlink Ghana Limited shows that green can be good business. Being nominated isn’t just recognition. It’s an opportunity to show global peers that Africa is ready—not just to participate, but to lead.

Final Thoughts: Grey to Green Isn’t Binary

When people ask, “Are you green—or grey?” my response is: it’s a spectrum. It’s about practical steps—measuring fuel use, piloting reusable packaging, training drivers, harvesting solar energy. Let me be clear: we’re not perfect. But we’re intentional.

Sustainability in logistics isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. If you measure, adapt, and involve your people, green supply chains can be profitable, functional, and future-proof.

So yes—measure your fuel, rethink your wraps, light your warehouse better, talk with your drivers. Because in logistics, every choice matters. And once you’ve seen the impact, the line between grey and green isn’t just color—it’s direction.