Social sustainability - the next step to make Sweden's e-commerce the most climate-smart in Europe

One of the largest Swedish companies with an impact on both e-commerce in Sweden and the Nordics is PostNord. Naznoush took over as head of sustainability at PostNord Sweden in January 2022 and in addition to her role at PostNord, she is involved in many sustainability initiatives, one of which is as a steering group representative in ASTER.

Here, Naznoush shares his opinions, experiences and reflections on sustainability with a focus on e-commerce.

How does Sweden become a world leader in sustainable e-commerce?

Sweden's population consumes far in excess of its means today. Naznoush wants to see a change now. Somewhere we have failed to communicate and create an understanding of the complexity of sustainability issues, just because we choose a fossil-free transport, it is not sustainable to consume to the extent we do today. Naznoush expresses that she is concerned about that development.

The three pillars of sustainability environmental, social and economic sustainability are all equally important for us to reach the set climate goals. Naznoush returns several times during the interview to the fact that it is not possible to make the transition to an environmentally sustainable society if we do not include social and economic sustainability in the calculation. She emphasizes that in the best of all worlds, sustainability becomes a security policy issue and if that happens, there will be a completely different muscle power and resource allocation to reach the set climate goals.

Collaboration - an enabler

Naznoush is clear that we cannot have a sustainable e-commerce without cooperating, collaborating and learning from each other.

"ASTER, in its role as impartial and expert, can consistently work to bring about a sustainable development of e-commerce. There are always different special interests and goal conflicts in all types of collaborations, we all have different tasks and roles, but here ASTER must, and can, see what is important for the industry as a whole and what is best for AB Sweden. It is important that ASTER is a party you can trust when things turn quickly", says Naznoush.

Postnord's role in the transition

"PostNord is large and sets the tone in the logistics industry, so it is also important to set the tone regarding sustainability issues", says Naznoush.

Naznoush explains that it is therefore important for PostNord Sweden to be part of sustainability initiatives such as ASTER, both to learn and hear what others in the industry have to say, but also to be able to be a driving force, contribute and move sustainability issues forward.

PostNord's sustainability work is based, among other things, on Agenda 2030: the UN's Global Sustainability Goals, where all the foundations: social, economic and environmental sustainability are included. PostNord has three overarching sustainability goals, the first is that they demonstrate climate leadership, this means fossil-free 2030, reduced CO2 emissions by 40% by 2025 and finally zero emissions on the last mile by 2027. The second is that PostNord takes care of its employees and finally that they release the power of diversity.

Green by PostNord is a group-wide investment that ensures their climate transformation, the investment consists of 10 CoEs (Center of Excellence), among others there are, for example, working groups for real estate, infrastructure, electromobility, policy issues, efficiency improvements, logistics optimization, training initiatives and strategic partnerships, like ASTER, both nationally and internationally.

"But it is also important to inform customers and partners about the challenges that exist, such as the consumption picture and return handling, so that we can move forward together. How can we reasonably become sustainable at the enormous rate of consumption we have? We have to start thinking differently now", says Naznoush.

Next steps?

"Sustainability issues are complex and multidimensional. Digitization, the exceptional technology development, the pandemic, the war, the security policy situation and changed lifestyles complicate the whole thing, but some of these factors, such as digitization, are a prerequisite for sustainable development. In step with digitization and technology development, it is necessary to educate, inform and communicate in order to achieve sustainable development", ends Naznoush.