Logistics 2026: Is Carbon Neutral Shipping at an End?

DHL GoGreen facing discontinuation: The EmpCo Directive will introduce a per-se prohibition in 2026 on “carbon neutral delivery” through pure offsetting. This directly affects the marketing strategy of all major German shipping companies: DHL GoGreen, DPD CO₂ Free, GLS Climate Protect, UPS Carbon Neutral Shipping.

What was previously permissible: E-commerce shops could offer “climate neutral shipping included (DHL GoGreen)” at the checkout. The surcharge went into reforestation projects. Consumers were reassured with “carbon neutrality”.

What will be prohibited from 27 September 2026: The statement “climate neutral shipping” without the following components: 1. Concrete CO₂ reduction through optimised routing/electric vehicles. 2. Offsetting as a supplement with methodology (Gold Standard, VCS). 3. Separate disclosure of reduction vs. offsetting.

Safe shipping advertising: “Climate-friendly shipping: 25 % CO₂ reduction vs. standard through bundling + electric fleet”. “GLEC Framework-compliant CO₂ balance per shipment”. “1.2 kg CO₂ per shipment (vs. industry standard 1.8 kg)”.

Alternatives for shops: 1. Actual reduction: Use an electric fleet, optimise routes, bundle shipments. 2. Transparent balance: GLEC or Smart Freight Centre as a methodology. 3. Reduction first, offsetting only as unavoidable. 4. Concrete project verification: Gold Standard / VCS instead of own reforestation.