OnkochiSHEIN?

To many, SHEIN and Temu are a source of frustration and often hilarious targeted ads. Perhaps unsurprisingly, however, Reuters report that their cheap direct-to-consumer operations are disrupting global air cargo with 9,000 tonnes a day being shipped from China. Boeing forecast China’s air cargo fleet needing to triple by 2040 to meet demand. [Source]

🤔 The problem runs deep; carbon emissions, resource use, waste, and, of course, workers’ rights and wellbeing. The solution requires a systemic approach to behavioural change – but that shift takes time and problem is here now. So what’s the alternative?

💡 I'm reminded of my time in Japan, and a phrase that’s always stuck with me; 温故知新, or Onkochishin, meaning ‘finding new wisdom in old ways’.

With experience and modern technology fuelling innovation, here are some to watch for reducing the load on fossil-fuelled aviation:

🎈 AIRSHIPS:

Arguably one of the greatest PR disasters of all time has clouded the reputation of Lighter Than Air transport, but blimps are bouncing back.

Atlas LTA’s ATLANT Cargo Airship, the LMH-1 of Lockheed Martin and many others suggest a promising solution. While likely unsuitable for long-range transport without the charging and fuelling infrastructure to support their journeys, one autonomous LTA could feasibly carry the daily 10,000 tonnes of tat.

🛶 CANALS AND RIVERS:

While the Reuters article leans heavily toward the ‘China bad’ narrative, China also lays claim to one of the greener solutions to inland transport: Canals.

Having been essential to the industrial economy from the 18th century onwards, with many still crossing our landscapes today, we in the UK love to claim them as our own. Despite their ornamental position in the public consciousness, focus is returning to their potential as greener connectors for commerce, with the Canal & River Trust facilitating their gradual return to service. Honourable mention to The Green Blue.

⛵ GREENER SHIPPING:

Although not without significant environmental implications (hello ocean acidification), shipping by sea produces approximately 20 to 30 times fewer CO2 emissions per kilogram-kilometer (8 Billion Trees). Numerous innovations are looking to reduce this further:

Alternative fuels: Vertoro B.V.
Electrification: VARD – builder of first electric cargo ship, Yara Birkeland.
Sailing: BAR Technologies' WindWings

🌊 SMALL PORTS:

An idea regularly discussed by the estuarine members of Hornbeam & Co., small automated ports could be a great opportunity for more efficient delivery. Oliver Risse is a great person to follow for the development of smartports. Even better if combined with local nature-based solutions.

While the answer is undoubtedly a more considerate approach to consumption, there are numerous promising avenues to explore and reduce the environmental impact of global trade.

What opportunities do you think people should be more aware of? Let us know.