Expanding into Europe has become more complicated for UK eCommerce brands since Brexit. Customs paperwork, longer delivery times, and rising shipping costs have made cross-border selling harder than it used to be. But there’s another factor many brands now weigh up alongside speed and price: sustainability.
For purpose-led businesses, the environmental impact of logistics matters. Your customers expect it. Your brand values demand it. And increasingly, choosing the right fulfilment setup can help you reduce emissions while also cutting costs and improving delivery times.
This guide covers what sustainable Netherlands and Benelux fulfilment actually looks like, why the region has become a strategic hub for UK brands, and how to evaluate your options.
Why UK Brands Are Looking to the Benelux Region
The numbers tell a clear story. UK retail exports to the EU have fallen by £5.9 billion since 2019, with clothing and footwear exports dropping by more than 60%. The additional friction of cross-border shipping has made it harder for smaller brands to compete.
One response has been the rise of dual-entity warehousing, where brands hold stock in both the UK and the EU. This approach reduces customs delays and keeps delivery times competitive for European customers.
The Netherlands has emerged as the most popular location for EU-side fulfilment, and for good reason:
- Central location: Venlo and other Dutch logistics hubs sit within 24-hour delivery reach of 170 million European consumers
- Port access: Rotterdam is Europe’s largest seaport, with strong rail and road connections
- Simpler customs: EU-to-EU shipments avoid the import duties and paperwork that slow down UK-to-EU deliveries
- Sustainability infrastructure: The Netherlands ranks highly for green last-mile options, with zero-emission zones active in 15+ cities
For UK brands serious about EU growth, holding inventory in the Benelux region has shifted from a nice-to-have to a practical necessity.
What Does “Sustainable Fulfilment” Actually Mean?
The term gets used loosely, so it’s worth being specific. Sustainable fulfilment covers the environmental impact of every stage of the logistics process:
| Area | What to Look For |
| Packaging | Recyclable materials, right-sized boxes, reduced void fill, plastic-free options |
| Warehouse operations | Renewable energy, energy-efficient lighting and heating, waste reduction programmes |
| Transport and shipping | Carbon-conscious carrier partnerships, optimised delivery routes, electric or low-emission vehicles |
| Processes | Paperless dispatch, digital documentation, and efficient stock rotation to reduce waste |
The challenge is that many providers make vague “green” claims without evidence. Self-declared sustainability is easy. Third-party verification is harder to achieve and more meaningful.
Certifications That Signal Genuine Commitment
When evaluating 3PL partners, look for recognised certifications:
- B Corp certification: Covers environmental performance, social responsibility, and transparency. Harder to achieve than most ISO standards and requires ongoing verification.
- ISO 14001: The international standard for environmental management systems.
- BREEAM ratings: For warehouse facilities, this measures energy efficiency, materials, and waste management.
- Organic/Bio certifications: Relevant if you sell food, supplements, or beauty products that require compliant handling.
A provider who can point to specific certifications, share emissions data, and explain their packaging policy is more trustworthy than one offering generic promises.
The Sustainability Case for Local EU Fulfilment
Here’s something that often surprises brands: sustainable fulfilment and faster, cheaper delivery aren’t in conflict. They often go hand in hand.
Shipping products from the UK to EU customers means longer routes, more transport legs, and higher emissions. Holding stock in a Benelux fulfilment centre shortens the last mile significantly.
The practical benefits:
- Reduced emissions: Shorter delivery routes to Germany, France, Belgium, and Luxembourg mean lower carbon impact per order
- Lower shipping costs: In-region delivery rates are typically cheaper than cross-border alternatives
- Faster delivery times: 1-2 day delivery across Western Europe vs. 5-7 days shipping from the UK
- Fewer failed deliveries: Localised tracking and carrier networks improve first-time delivery rates
Consumer expectations are shifting too. Research shows that 54% of online shoppers now expect eco-friendly delivery options at checkout. Offering greener logistics isn’t just good for the planet; it can influence purchasing decisions.
What to Ask a Potential Benelux 3PL Partner
Not all fulfilment providers approach sustainability the same way. Before committing, ask direct questions:
On certifications and verification:
- What third-party certifications do you hold?
- Can you share your most recent sustainability report or emissions data?
On packaging:
- What packaging options do you offer? Are recyclable or plastic-free materials standard or optional?
- Can you accommodate our own branded sustainable packaging?
On operations:
- Do you operate paperless dispatch?
- What’s your energy source for warehouse operations?
- How do you handle waste and recycling?
On transport:
- Which carrier partners do you work with, and what are their sustainability credentials?
- Do you optimise delivery routes to reduce emissions?
On transparency:
- Can you provide visibility into our fulfilment data and environmental impact?
- How do you report on sustainability performance?
Providers who hesitate on these questions or offer vague responses may not have sustainability embedded in their operations.
Practical Steps for UK Brands
If you’re considering a move to Benelux fulfilment, here’s a sensible approach:
- Audit your current setup: What are your EU delivery times and costs today? What’s the carbon impact of shipping cross-border?
- Calculate the volume threshold: EU-based stock makes most sense once you’re shipping a consistent volume to European customers. For many brands, 500+ orders per month to the EU is a reasonable starting point.
- Evaluate partners on fit, not just price: Sustainability credentials matter, but so does service quality, technology, and support. Look for partners who understand your product category and can grow with you.
- Plan for compliance: EU VAT registration, EORI numbers, and IOSS for DTC shipments are typically required. A good 3PL partner will guide you through these requirements.
- Start with a phased approach: You don’t have to move all your EU stock at once. Many brands begin with their best-selling SKUs and expand from there.
Sustainability as a Growth Strategy
Sustainability in fulfilment isn’t just about values. It’s increasingly a commercial decision.
- Consumer demand: Over 50% of UK consumers now consider environmental factors when making purchases
- Brand alignment: Purpose-led brands risk credibility gaps if their logistics don’t match their marketing
- Regulatory direction: EU packaging and emissions regulations are tightening, making early adoption sensible
- Competitive edge: Most UK brands shipping to the EU haven’t made the shift to local, sustainable fulfilment. Those who do can differentiate on both speed and responsibility.
For brands built on ethical principles, the fulfilment partner you choose reflects on your business. Customers notice when their order arrives in excessive packaging or takes a week to cross borders. They also notice when delivery is fast, the packaging is thoughtful, and the experience matches what your brand stands for.
Moving Forward with EU Fulfilment
The Benelux region offers UK brands a practical route to faster, greener EU fulfilment. But not every provider will suit every business.
Look for partners with verified sustainability credentials, the right sector experience, and technology that gives you visibility and control. Ask the hard questions about certifications, packaging, and emissions. And make sure the operational fit is right: service levels, pricing transparency, and support that scales with your growth.
The brands getting this right are building EU operations that are faster, more cost-effective, and genuinely aligned with their values. That’s a combination worth pursuing.
FAQs
What is sustainable fulfilment?
Sustainable fulfilment refers to warehousing, packaging, and shipping practices designed to reduce environmental impact. This includes using recyclable packaging, minimising waste, operating energy-efficient facilities, and partnering with carbon-conscious carriers.
Why is the Netherlands a good base for EU fulfilment?
The Netherlands offers central access to major European markets, excellent transport infrastructure, and strong sustainability credentials. Venlo and other Dutch logistics hubs enable 1-2 day delivery to most of Western Europe.
Is sustainable fulfilment more expensive?
Not necessarily. Local EU fulfilment often reduces shipping costs compared to cross-border alternatives. Some sustainable packaging options may cost more, but route optimisation and reduced returns can offset this.
What compliance do UK brands need for Benelux fulfilment?
Typically EU VAT registration, an EORI number, and potentially IOSS registration for direct-to-consumer shipments. A good fulfilment partner will help guide you through these requirements.
How do I verify a 3PL’s sustainability claims?
Look for third-party certifications like B Corp, ISO 14001, or BREEAM. Ask for specific data on packaging materials, energy sources, and carrier partnerships. Avoid providers who make claims without evidence.
