BITE SIZED SUPPLY CHAIN/LOGISTICS INFORMATION Info SNACKS MOVE OVER, ROVER Think Boston Dynamics has the robot dog market cornered? Think again—China’s Deep Robotics just unveiled Lynx, a four-legged wonder that’s part dog, part cat, and apparently part stunt performer. Lynx can jump, climb, backflip, and even lock its wheeled feet to tackle rugged terrain like a pro. It’s like Spot’s edgy cousin who also does parkour. Deep Robotics isn’t stopping there—it is already rolling out dozens more humanoid robots, so it’s only a matter of time before Lynx gets a whole squad.
UNWRAPPING RETURNS SEASON
A GLASS ACT MIT researchers are turning recycled glass into durable bricks to revolutionize circular construction. Using a method developed by spinoff Evenline, glass bottles are melted and 3D-printed into interlocking figure-eight bricks, much like LEGOs. Tests show these bricks rival concrete in strength and can be reused or reprinted indefinitely. A protective material between layers prevents cracks, and the unique design allows for curved structures. While currently suited for facades and internal walls, researchers aim to scale up to larger, self-supporting glass structures. This innovation could transform waste glass into the building blocks of a sustainable future.
• 80% of shoppers stopped shopping at a retailer that changed its return policy—a 34% increase YoY. • Returns abuse is on the rise. 69% of shoppers admit to wardrobing (buying an item, using it for a short time, and then returning it for a refund). 64% of shoppers who wardrobe do so at least once a month, a 40% increase from 2023. • Sustainability is top of mind, with returns amounting to 8.4 billion pounds of landfill waste. • 86% of retailers say they have meaningful strategies in place to minimize the environmental impact of returns. Among them: box-less, label-less returns (56%); diverting like-new goods to recommerce channels (54%); and consolidated shipping (50%). – Optoro survey
REFRESHING CHANGE In a collaborative toast to a greener, net-zero future, Coca- Cola, Heineken, and eight other beverage powerhouses have teamed up under the REfresh Alliance to drive renewable energy adoption in their supply chains. Managed by energy solutions provider Enel X, the alliance focuses on cutting Scope 3
XPO’s TOUR DE FORCE XPO Logistics and the Tour de France have renewed their partnership for another six years, continuing a collaboration that began in 1980. As the official carrier, XPO orchestrates the complex logistics behind the legendary race, transporting everything from barriers to podiums across city centers and mountain passes under tight deadlines. A dedicated team of elite drivers ensures the show goes on, no matter the conditions. Both XPO and the Tour are ramping up eco-friendly efforts, with XPO introducing greener transport solutions to support the race’s commitment to sustainability.
emissions by simplifying access to clean energy for suppliers. Members including Bacardi, Carlsberg, and Diageo are pooling resources to break down barriers to renewable energy adoption. The initiative offers suppliers tools like advisory support, educational resources, and connections to renewable energy providers.
December 2024 • Inbound Logistics 1
Powered by FlippingBook