Geopost at the ALICE Summit: Innovation in Action for Sustainable Logistics
Innovation 30 October 2025
The European Technology Platform ALICE drives an industry-led strategy for research, innovation and market deployment in European logistics and supply chain management, uniting leading experts and companies. Its core mission is to accelerate the transition to net-zero-emissions transport and logistics operations, providing advice and assistance to the European Commission on research and innovation programmes like Horizon Europe.
The ALICE Logistics Innovation Summit 2025 in Brussels brought together key players from across the logistics sector to explore how innovation, sustainability and collaboration are shaping the future of transport and delivery. We were proud to contribute to the discussions through the participation of Sébastien Lacombe, Director of Innovation and Chief Data Officer, and Bruno Gadal, Director of Standardisation. Their involvement reflected the breadth of our strategic priorities - from exploring cutting-edge technologies and AI, to actively supporting the standardisation efforts necessary to help shape the future of logistics.
While not attending the Summit himself, Dominique Mamcarz, Sustainability Director, provides a broader reflection on how our innovation efforts align with long-term sustainability goals - echoing many of the themes addressed during the Summit.
Electrifying Transport and Infrastructure
We’ve committed to reaching net zero by 2040, a target validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) early 2023. Today, 15% of our pickup and delivery fleet is low-emission, with over 10,000 electric vehicles and 15 e-trucks in active service.
To support this shift, we’re ramping up electric vehicle use across our infrastructure through innovative projects, such as the EV Master Challenge. Our Energy Monitoring initiative helps us optimise energy by managing consumption in depots and hubs. That said, scaling up remains complex, especially when balancing energy demands for vehicle charging and parcel sorting during peak periods.
Smarter Urban Logistics
We’re rethinking last-mile delivery with urban hubs and depots. In London Docklands, our hub operates diesel-free and is powered by solar panels supporting all-electric deliveries within the city’s circular routes. This solution and others bring parcels closer to recipients, make it easier to use electric cargo bikes, such as the K-Ryole, reduce emissions and improve responsiveness in busy city environments.
Robotics in the Real World
Automation is helping us move faster and more efficiently. We’ve deployed robotic arms for labelling and parcel control in Heathrow, and Libiao sorting robots in Estonia that work well in compact spaces.
Yet some challenges persist. Automating the loading and unloading of trucks remains difficult, especially given the variety of parcel shapes, sizes and packaging along with the speed required in our operations.
Autonomous Delivery
In the UK, we’re testing autonomous delivery lockers that can navigate complex environments and handle customer returns. With advanced software powered by lidar and HD cameras, these lockers carry up to 70 kilos with 8 compartments and can maneuver in complex environments, offering convenient out-of-home collection and returns.
Tracking with Intelligence
We’re exploring smart label technologies that offer continuous tracking and tamper detection. Several approaches are under review, aimed at improving transparency and parcel security throughout the journey.
Expanding Out-of-Home Services
At VivaTech 2025, we introduced our latest Pickup lockers — compact, solar-powered and available in both ambient and refrigerated formats. These lockers support parcel drop-off, click-and-collect and even the sale of fresh local products. In France, solar lockers are already in place, using just a tenth of the energy required by standard models.
They’re designed to serve as local hubs for residents, retailers and e-commerce partners — and we’re continuing to explore what the lockers of tomorrow will be.
Supporting Our Teams
Innovation also means improving working conditions. We’re testing exoskeletons and other physical assistance tools to reduce strain on our operators. Early results are encouraging, though further testing is needed before scaling up.
AI That Powers the Network
Artificial intelligence is becoming central to how we operate. Our VOS (Vehicle Optimisation System) control tool is already helping us enhance parcel routing across Europe, reducing distances travelled and cutting emissions. We’re also exploring AI for planning, predictive maintenance, fraud detection and flow management, all with the aim of improving efficiency and service quality.
Shaping the Rules of the Game
Beyond technology and operations, the development of shared frameworks and norms plays a critical role in shaping the future of logistics. During the event, Bruno Gadal shared his insights on the international landscape of logistics and postal standards. Drawing on his extensive experience leading European committees in this field, Bruno presented a comprehensive overview of how standards are developed, their link to regulation, and their strategic importance. He highlighted a concerning trend: the acceleration of international global efforts, predominantly driven by Asian countries, with limited European representation. This imbalance risks leaving European actors in a reactive position, forced to adopt standards developed without their input.
“There are currently eleven standards in development and nineteen more to come,” Bruno explained. “If we don’t reinforce European involvement, we risk losing our ability to shape the frameworks that govern our industry.”
His intervention was a call to action - to ensure that innovation is not only driven by technology, but also supported by a strong, proactive European voice in shaping the global rules of logistics.