SEKO Logistics has named Kai Lincoln as its first Global VP of Sustainability, taking a major step forward in its sustainability goals.

SEKO noted that this year, it will be declaring an ambitious goal to have all their owned and controlled facilities and activities, including road linehaul and parcel final mile, be carbon neutral by 2050.

It said that in his new position, Lincoln will oversee all efforts in support of this goal.

Based in Sydney, Australia, Lincoln joined SEKO in January 2014 as managing director of SEKO Omni-Channel Logistics, where he spearheaded the growth and development of SEKO’s international e-commerce capabilities for brands, while also introducing their first sustainable packaging options for brands looking to reduce their carbon footprint within e-commerce.

"As part of his work directing ESG efforts for the global company, Lincoln will call upon the expertise of SEKO's newly formed ESG committee and regional business leads in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia and New Zealand," SEKO said in its announcement.

It said that to date, this group developed SEKO's sustainability roadmap, which contains set milestones and timelines with key targets in the coming years.  

"Our clients want to work with responsible partners who do more than talk about making a difference – partners that actually show progress against their commitment to ESG," said James Gagne, president and CEO, SEKO Logistics.

"In fact, we see sustainability as a growth generator. It will take strong focused leadership, which Kai has repeatedly demonstrated over the past six years, to achieve success, but creating a more sustainable global supply chain is a non-negotiable," Gagne added.

"Reality check" for the industry

"This is going to be the 'reality check' for future client relationships. While we do not have all the answers yet, we are taking steps forward with tangible goals, and we have the ambition and determination to achieve them," Gagne added.

SEKO said it has been taking "progressive steps" to accelerate their sustainability commitment since completing its first "Green Audit" a decade ago. SEKO's sustainable procurement policy works to build partnerships with like-minded airlines, shipping lines, and road freight vendors.

It also provides clients with carbon calculator tools to improve the visibility of shipping impact and increase carbon offsets.

In addition, five SEKO facilities in North America and Europe are now operationally equipped to capture and use solar energy. 

"Better utilization of supply chain capacity, working with 'greener' vendors, utilizing home compostable packaging, implementing energy-saving solutions within facilities, and driving growth in e-commerce are all practical steps to begin reducing the logistics industry’s carbon footprint," Lincoln said.

"This isn't an overnight journey, but one that will require sustained commitment beginning with myself, our executive team, and every employee at SEKO, to ensure that we see continued material improvement over the short, medium, and long-term," he added.