Is Quick Delivery Related to Quick-Commerce Environmentally Sustainable?
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Abstract
The rapid expansion of quick-commerce (q-commerce) businesses, which promise quick last-mile delivery, requires an urgent assessment of their environmental sustainability. This study investigates the sustainability of the q-commerce business model, which relies heavily on electric vehicles (EVs) and dark stores for last-mile delivery services, and assesses the environmental impact of express-delivery operations, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It examines the ability of EVs and dark stores under Q-Commerce to reduce the carbon footprint compared to traditional online last-mile delivery methods and evaluates the environmental pollution potential of increased delivery frequency and faster last-mile delivery in terms of GHG emissions. By analysing data from various q-commerce companies and last-mile deliveries, the paper provides insight into the trade-off between the benefits of fast delivery and its environmental sustainability. The results highlight the complexities of achieving sustainability in the rapid last-mile delivery sector by combustion vehicles and propose a framework for integrating environmentally friendly practices to reduce overall environmental impacts, such as optimizing electric vehicle adoption and delivery routes. The conclusion of the paper discusses the feasibility and significance of establishing a more sustainable q-commerce environment, as well as its limits and future prospects.