Why students need to be trained to manage sustainability in the supply chain processes

The logistics sector is moving beyond conventional transportation and storage functions and emerging as a discipline driven by sustainability, technology and strategic efficiency. As India moves closer to becoming the world’s third-largest economy, green logistics is fast gaining prominence. From electric mobility-enabled delivery networks and solar-powered warehouses to data-driven transport planning, the shift toward sustainable operations is redefining the industry. The transformation will be led largely by how well today’s students are trained to manage sustainability in supply chain processes.

Sustainability is at the core of logistics innovation. More than 80% of domestic express freight movement now happens via surface transport supported by better road networks and cleaner fuel systems, while electric vehicle adoption is expanding across first and last-mile deliveries. Express operators are among the largest users of cargo aircraft, with dedicated freighter fleets now operating on digitally optimised air routes. The sector is also gradually adopting sustainable aviation fuels to reduce emissions, making aviation a relevant part of green logistics. Warehouses across India are adopting solar capabilities, packaging waste is being reduced through recyclable models, and route optimisation engines are helping minimise fuel consumption.

Educational pathway

For students, this shift represents an opportunity to build careers in roles that combine technology, operations strategy and environmental responsibility. Students can enter the industry at different academic stages. Fresh graduates from any discipline usually begin in entry-level operational roles such as logistics coordination, warehouse operations or digital process tracking.

Undergraduate degrees in Logistics and Supply Chain Management offer structured learning and allow smoother progression into roles focused on planning and efficiency improvement. Increasingly, postgraduate diplomas and Master’s degrees in sustainability-linked logistics are being preferred by organisations looking for professionals who understand ESG standards and clean mobility initiatives.

Aviation professionals also have significant opportunities within logistics. Express operators employ pilots, aircraft engineers, aircraft technicians and loadmasters. As sustainability becomes integral to cargo movement, expertise in aviation supported by supply chain exposure will be increasingly valuable. International programmes in sustainable supply chain and environmental operations, particularly in the U.K., Germany, Singapore and the U.S., provide broader exposure to global sustainability benchmarks and circular logistics practices.

Students from Engineering backgrounds, particularly in the Mechanical, Industrial, and Aviation streams, are well-suited for technical roles such as route optimisation, fleet modernisation, and automation-led transformation.

Focus subjects

Students should focus on subjects related to supply chain management, business operations, transportation systems and analytics to establish conceptual clarity. Familiarity with tools such as warehouse management software, spreadsheet optimisation, and IoT-driven tracking technologies is an advantage. Project assignments focussed on process automation, route performance improvement, or sustainability-driven logistics optimisation reflect a strong industry orientation.

Internships in warehousing, fleet coordination, customer operations or compliance tracking during graduation and post-graduation help students build real-world exposure, improve adaptability and understand ground-level dynamics. Internships also enable students to identify suitable functional areas. Roles in warehouse management, inventory planning, order fulfilment and customer interaction provide practical insight into logistics workflow. Exposure to projects involving last-mile delivery performance, digitisation, compliance tracking or route improvement supports long-term career progression and builds supervisory potential.

Students considering careers in this field should assess their interest in working in fast-paced, technology-enabled sectors. Success requires strong analytical thinking, quick decision-making, resilience under time-sensitive situations, and commitment to sustainability-led transformation. In addition, the ability to collaborate across functions and foresee operational impacts contributes to effective career growth in the sector.

Keep learning

Continuous knowledge building is essential as logistics is adapting rapidly to emerging technologies. Students should engage with industry journals to keep up with best practices. Attending webinars and workshops hosted by the Logistics Sector Skill Council (LSC), the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), CII and FICCI helps connect academic learning with market realities. Case studies, campus–industry discussions and expert interviews on areas such as electrification of fleet, reverse logistics and circular economy models encourage innovative thinking and application-based learning.

Today’s logistics is influenced by technology, powered by innovation and shaped by environmental responsibility. Professionals are involved in integrating alternative transport energy systems, designing process automation and leveraging AI to improve operational impact. With sectors such as pharmaceuticals, automotive and electronics contributing significantly to the express industry, the need for sustainability-focused supply chain talent will continue to rise.

The writer is the Chief Executive Officer, Express Industry Council of India.

Published – February 01, 2026 08:00 am IST