Eco-Dilemmas
Welcome to Eco Dilemmas, our blog series where we explore the challenges we face at Upstream Trophies as we strive to create sustainable, high-quality awards. From designing our trophies to tackling broader issues like sourcing materials, packaging and transportation, every decision impacts the balance between sustainability, design and cost.
Eco vs. efficiency:choosing the right shipping path
At Upstream Trophies, sustainability doesn’t stop at creating eco-friendly awards, it extends to how we deliver them. Shipping presents tough decisions: Should we prioritize speed or sustainability? Balance cost against our carbon footprint? These choices aren’t always straightforward, but they’re vital to our mission. In this blog, we dive into how we navigate these challenges to make conscious transport decisions that align with our values while ensuring our trophies arrive on time.
The carbon cost of every shipment
Every decision we make, down to how we ship our trophies, affects the planet. Did you know that air freight emits over 1,000 grams of CO₂ per ton-kilometer (Statista), making it one of the most carbon-intensive transport choices? While road transport is greener, it’s not always the most practical. Road freight emissions vary depending on the vehicle type and load. For instance, urban delivery trucks emit approximately 307 grams of CO₂ per ton-kilometer, while long-haul tractor-trailers are more efficient, emitting around 57 grams of CO₂ per ton-kilometer. (ICCT). That’s why we try to ship with road freight if we can.
Predictability vs. uncertainty: which shipping method wins?
Road transport provides flexible and well-established routes with real-time tracking, but traffic congestion and unpredictable delays can affect deliveries. Air freight offers structured schedules and quicker customs clearance for international shipments, but weather disruptions can still cause delays. Our goal? To minimize uncertainties and optimize our logistics for smoother, greener deliveries.
Fast, faster, fastest, but at what cost?
Road shipping is fast for short distances, but it becomes less efficient over longer distances. Traffic and complicated routes can slow things down. This makes it less suitable for urgent, long-distance deliveries. Meanwhile, air shipping is the fastest option for long-distance deliveries. Despite its higher environmental impact, air shipping significantly cuts down delivery time. This makes it the best choice for urgent international shipments. But, air travel also requires road transport for final delivery, which can add more delays.
Balancing budget and sustainability in shipping
Road transport is generally the more cost-effective option for short to medium distances due to lower fuel costs, flexible load sizes, and fewer handling fees compared to air freight (LGL Worldwide). Air freight, while significantly more expensive due to high fuel consumption and airport handling fees, can be cost-effective when shipments are consolidated, leveraging economies of scale to reduce per-unit costs (Cello Square). However, even with consolidation, air freight remains more costly per ton-kilometer than road transport, making it the preferred option only for urgent, high-value shipments where speed is the priority (LGL Worldwide).
Innovative solutions for sustainable shipping
To reduce air shipments and emissions, we have te goal to establish global shipping hubs. By consolidating large batches to key locations, such as the U.S., we can then distribute orders locally. This strategic approach means fewer emissions, lower costs, and faster delivery times, ensuring you get your trophy sustainably and efficiently.
Beyond offsetting: finding the right way to take action
At Upstream Trophies, reducing our carbon footprint isn’t just about choosing greener shipping methods. It is about taking real action to restore the environment. This year, we want to start compensating for our CO₂ emissions by planting trees. But not just any trees. We are looking for ones that are a few years old and already capable of absorbing CO₂, rather than seedlings that may not survive.
To make this happen, we are looking for the right local partners. No greenwashing, no empty promises. Ideally, we would love to get our hands dirty and plant the trees ourselves, turning this into a meaningful team-building experience. Do you know of any trustworthy organizations, farmers, or initiatives that align with this vision? We would love to hear your recommendations!
Shipping Smarter: A Greener Future, One Trophy at a Time
When you choose Upstream Trophies, you’re not just receiving an award, you’re making a statement. A statement about sustainability, innovation, and responsible choices. Whenever possible, we encourage clients to opt for greener shipping methods, ensuring every trophy aligns with our shared commitment to a better future.
From waste to glory
We are Upstream Trophies and we create unique, high end and sustainable awards that deserve to be seen. Our belief is that every piece of waste can be reborn into an extraordinary statement piece that adds a touch of glory to any office or home. Our motto? Form follows material. Specializing in plastics and utilizing diverse waste streams, our material-first approach is an ode to modern craftsmanship. From material passports and transport with minimal carbon footprint to locally scouted and recycled materials: we set the standard in sustainability and proof is in every trophy.
Casper van der Meer
CEO Upstream Trophies
About the author
Casper is the CEO of Upstream Trophies and has a background in Industrial Design Engineering. Over the years he specialized in sustainable product design, with a special interest in plastic products. He believes that the corporate trophy market is long over due for change. Creating awards that spark conversations, tell a story and create sustainability ambassadors. The industry needs this shift. Trophies should reflect the future, not repeat the past.
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