GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sustainability In The Wholesale Industry Statistics

Wholesale industry adopts sustainability, boosting profits, reputation, and environmental impact.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

35% of wholesale companies are employing blockchain technology to ensure supply chain transparency

Statistic 2

21% of wholesale companies are utilizing AI and data analytics to improve sustainability practices

Statistic 3

28% of wholesale organizations use sustainability performance dashboards for internal reporting

Statistic 4

71% of wholesale companies acknowledge that sustainability has influenced their strategic planning

Statistic 5

53% of wholesale companies have involved their stakeholders in sustainability goal-setting

Statistic 6

59% of wholesale companies are aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030

Statistic 7

72% of wholesale buyers prefer suppliers with sustainable practices

Statistic 8

Wholesale companies that actively promote sustainability see a 25% higher customer retention rate

Statistic 9

55% of wholesale companies believe that sustainable branding positively impacts consumer perception

Statistic 10

Renewable energy investments in wholesale warehouses increased by 35% during 2022-2023

Statistic 11

70% of wholesale companies view sustainability reporting as critical for investor relations

Statistic 12

68% of wholesale companies report implementing sustainability initiatives in their supply chain

Statistic 13

The wholesale sector accounts for approximately 15% of global carbon emissions

Statistic 14

54% of wholesale distributors have set measurable sustainability goals for 2024

Statistic 15

Use of renewable energy sources in wholesale warehouses has increased by 40% over the past five years

Statistic 16

43% of wholesale companies identify waste reduction as a top sustainability priority

Statistic 17

Adoption of eco-friendly packaging in the wholesale industry has grown by 30% in the last three years

Statistic 18

55% of wholesale companies track their sustainability performance through specific KPIs

Statistic 19

The global wholesale market is expected to experience a 20% rise in sustainable product offerings by 2025

Statistic 20

60% of wholesale industry leaders believe sustainable practices will be essential for long-term profitability

Statistic 21

48% of wholesale distributors have invested in energy-efficient lighting

Statistic 22

The adoption of electric delivery vehicles in wholesale distribution increased by 50% in 2023

Statistic 23

70% of wholesale buyers consider environmental impact when selecting suppliers

Statistic 24

26% of wholesale companies are certified under sustainability standards such as ISO 14001

Statistic 25

80% of wholesale firms report that sustainability initiatives have improved their supply chain resilience

Statistic 26

65% of wholesale companies are actively reducing water usage in their operations

Statistic 27

The majority of wholesale industry leaders believe that circular economy principles can reduce waste significantly

Statistic 28

45% of wholesale companies are using digital tools to monitor environmental impacts

Statistic 29

The global demand for sustainable wholesale products is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% through 2027

Statistic 30

52% of wholesale distributors have incorporated eco-design principles into their product development processes

Statistic 31

58% of wholesale companies believe that sustainability will become a regulatory requirement within the next five years

Statistic 32

41% of wholesale firms are participating in industry-wide sustainability collaborations or initiatives

Statistic 33

63% of wholesale companies report a reduction in operational costs after implementing energy-saving measures

Statistic 34

29% of wholesale organizations have integrated sustainability criteria into their procurement policies

Statistic 35

77% of wholesale companies see a competitive advantage in adopting sustainable practices

Statistic 36

Waste recycling rates in the wholesale distribution industry increased by 22% over the last two years

Statistic 37

66% of wholesale logistics providers are optimizing routes to reduce fuel consumption and emissions

Statistic 38

29% of wholesale companies utilize sustainability reporting frameworks like GRI or SASB

Statistic 39

40% of wholesale supply chains have undergone sustainability audits in the past year

Statistic 40

84% of wholesale companies believe that adopting sustainability practices enhances their brand reputation

Statistic 41

63% of wholesale companies report increased stakeholder engagement due to sustainability initiatives

Statistic 42

57% of wholesale companies are exploring or implementing zero-waste policies

Statistic 43

49% of wholesale companies have started using biodegradable or compostable packaging materials

Statistic 44

39% of wholesale operations have integrated sustainability into employee training programs

Statistic 45

31% of wholesale businesses report challenges in sourcing sustainable raw materials

Statistic 46

60% of wholesale companies have a dedicated sustainability officer or team

Statistic 47

47% of wholesale companies have adopted green building standards for their facilities

Statistic 48

44% of wholesale firms have reported improved employee morale after implementing sustainability measures

Statistic 49

54% of wholesale companies see sustainability as a key driver of innovation

Statistic 50

69% of wholesale companies expect investment in sustainability to increase over the next five years

Statistic 51

The increase in eco-friendly fleet vehicle adoption has resulted in a 15% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in wholesale logistics

Statistic 52

46% of wholesale companies report a significant reduction in energy costs after sustainability upgrades

Statistic 53

58% of wholesale companies participate in environmental certification programs

Statistic 54

33% of wholesale businesses are developing sustainable product lines designed to meet circular economy principles

Statistic 55

48% of wholesale distributors are prioritizing reducing their carbon footprint through process improvements

Statistic 56

64% of wholesale firms have increased expenditure on sustainable technology and infrastructure over the past year

Statistic 57

52% of wholesale companies are engaging in local community sustainability initiatives

Statistic 58

38% of wholesale organizations have partnered with third-party environmental organizations to enhance their sustainability efforts

Statistic 59

63% of wholesale companies report that sustainability efforts have improved supplier relationships

Statistic 60

49% of wholesale businesses are exploring sustainable material innovations

Statistic 61

69% of wholesale executives see sustainability measures as a means to mitigate supply chain risks

Statistic 62

27% of wholesale firms have implemented green procurement policies

Statistic 63

75% of wholesale companies predict annual growth in sustainable product sales

Statistic 64

42% of wholesale companies are reducing packaging weight to lessen environmental impact

Statistic 65

69% of wholesale companies report that sustainability initiatives have led to operational efficiencies

Statistic 66

37% of wholesale organizations have adopted or are exploring climate risk assessment tools

Statistic 67

57% of wholesale companies are integrating circular economy principles into their product lifecycle management

Statistic 68

62% of wholesale companies have shifted to more sustainable logistics providers

Statistic 69

41% of wholesale firms see sustainability as a differentiator in competitive bidding processes

Statistic 70

45% of wholesale organizations are engaged in renewable energy purchasing contracts

Statistic 71

23% of wholesale companies are investing in sustainable raw material alternatives

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Key Highlights

68% of wholesale companies report implementing sustainability initiatives in their supply chain
The wholesale sector accounts for approximately 15% of global carbon emissions
72% of wholesale buyers prefer suppliers with sustainable practices
54% of wholesale distributors have set measurable sustainability goals for 2024
Use of renewable energy sources in wholesale warehouses has increased by 40% over the past five years
43% of wholesale companies identify waste reduction as a top sustainability priority
Adoption of eco-friendly packaging in the wholesale industry has grown by 30% in the last three years
55% of wholesale companies track their sustainability performance through specific KPIs
The global wholesale market is expected to experience a 20% rise in sustainable product offerings by 2025
60% of wholesale industry leaders believe sustainable practices will be essential for long-term profitability
Wholesale companies that actively promote sustainability see a 25% higher customer retention rate
48% of wholesale distributors have invested in energy-efficient lighting
The adoption of electric delivery vehicles in wholesale distribution increased by 50% in 2023

As the wholesale industry stakes its claim in building a greener future, over two-thirds of companies are actively implementing sustainability initiatives—driving innovation, reducing emissions, and gaining a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market.

Adoption of Technologies and Practices

35% of wholesale companies are employing blockchain technology to ensure supply chain transparency
21% of wholesale companies are utilizing AI and data analytics to improve sustainability practices
28% of wholesale organizations use sustainability performance dashboards for internal reporting

Adoption of Technologies and Practices Interpretation

With over a third of wholesale companies adopting blockchain for supply chain transparency, a fifth leveraging AI and data analytics for sustainability, and nearly a third using performance dashboards, it's clear that sustainable practices in the industry are no longer just aspirational—they're becoming quantifiable and driven by innovative technology.

Business Strategies and Goals

71% of wholesale companies acknowledge that sustainability has influenced their strategic planning
53% of wholesale companies have involved their stakeholders in sustainability goal-setting
59% of wholesale companies are aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030

Business Strategies and Goals Interpretation

With over 70% of wholesale companies factoring sustainability into their strategies and more than half engaging stakeholders, it's clear that the industry is not just talking green but planning for a carbon-neutral future—because in the long haul, sustainable business isn't just good ethics, it's good business.

Customer Preferences and Engagement

72% of wholesale buyers prefer suppliers with sustainable practices
Wholesale companies that actively promote sustainability see a 25% higher customer retention rate
55% of wholesale companies believe that sustainable branding positively impacts consumer perception

Customer Preferences and Engagement Interpretation

In an industry where green is becoming gold, wholesale suppliers embracing sustainability not only retain more customers but also shift consumer perception favorably, proving that eco-consciousness isn't just good for the planet—it's good for business.

Industry Trends and Investments

Renewable energy investments in wholesale warehouses increased by 35% during 2022-2023
70% of wholesale companies view sustainability reporting as critical for investor relations

Industry Trends and Investments Interpretation

With renewable investments soaring by 35% and 70% of wholesalers deeming sustainability reporting vital for investor confidence, it's clear that green initiatives are no longer just ethical choices but strategic imperatives in the wholesale sector.

Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives

68% of wholesale companies report implementing sustainability initiatives in their supply chain
The wholesale sector accounts for approximately 15% of global carbon emissions
54% of wholesale distributors have set measurable sustainability goals for 2024
Use of renewable energy sources in wholesale warehouses has increased by 40% over the past five years
43% of wholesale companies identify waste reduction as a top sustainability priority
Adoption of eco-friendly packaging in the wholesale industry has grown by 30% in the last three years
55% of wholesale companies track their sustainability performance through specific KPIs
The global wholesale market is expected to experience a 20% rise in sustainable product offerings by 2025
60% of wholesale industry leaders believe sustainable practices will be essential for long-term profitability
48% of wholesale distributors have invested in energy-efficient lighting
The adoption of electric delivery vehicles in wholesale distribution increased by 50% in 2023
70% of wholesale buyers consider environmental impact when selecting suppliers
26% of wholesale companies are certified under sustainability standards such as ISO 14001
80% of wholesale firms report that sustainability initiatives have improved their supply chain resilience
65% of wholesale companies are actively reducing water usage in their operations
The majority of wholesale industry leaders believe that circular economy principles can reduce waste significantly
45% of wholesale companies are using digital tools to monitor environmental impacts
The global demand for sustainable wholesale products is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% through 2027
52% of wholesale distributors have incorporated eco-design principles into their product development processes
58% of wholesale companies believe that sustainability will become a regulatory requirement within the next five years
41% of wholesale firms are participating in industry-wide sustainability collaborations or initiatives
63% of wholesale companies report a reduction in operational costs after implementing energy-saving measures
29% of wholesale organizations have integrated sustainability criteria into their procurement policies
77% of wholesale companies see a competitive advantage in adopting sustainable practices
Waste recycling rates in the wholesale distribution industry increased by 22% over the last two years
66% of wholesale logistics providers are optimizing routes to reduce fuel consumption and emissions
29% of wholesale companies utilize sustainability reporting frameworks like GRI or SASB
40% of wholesale supply chains have undergone sustainability audits in the past year
84% of wholesale companies believe that adopting sustainability practices enhances their brand reputation
63% of wholesale companies report increased stakeholder engagement due to sustainability initiatives
57% of wholesale companies are exploring or implementing zero-waste policies
49% of wholesale companies have started using biodegradable or compostable packaging materials
39% of wholesale operations have integrated sustainability into employee training programs
31% of wholesale businesses report challenges in sourcing sustainable raw materials
60% of wholesale companies have a dedicated sustainability officer or team
47% of wholesale companies have adopted green building standards for their facilities
44% of wholesale firms have reported improved employee morale after implementing sustainability measures
54% of wholesale companies see sustainability as a key driver of innovation
69% of wholesale companies expect investment in sustainability to increase over the next five years
The increase in eco-friendly fleet vehicle adoption has resulted in a 15% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in wholesale logistics
46% of wholesale companies report a significant reduction in energy costs after sustainability upgrades
58% of wholesale companies participate in environmental certification programs
33% of wholesale businesses are developing sustainable product lines designed to meet circular economy principles
48% of wholesale distributors are prioritizing reducing their carbon footprint through process improvements
64% of wholesale firms have increased expenditure on sustainable technology and infrastructure over the past year
52% of wholesale companies are engaging in local community sustainability initiatives
38% of wholesale organizations have partnered with third-party environmental organizations to enhance their sustainability efforts
63% of wholesale companies report that sustainability efforts have improved supplier relationships
49% of wholesale businesses are exploring sustainable material innovations
69% of wholesale executives see sustainability measures as a means to mitigate supply chain risks
27% of wholesale firms have implemented green procurement policies
75% of wholesale companies predict annual growth in sustainable product sales
42% of wholesale companies are reducing packaging weight to lessen environmental impact
69% of wholesale companies report that sustainability initiatives have led to operational efficiencies
37% of wholesale organizations have adopted or are exploring climate risk assessment tools
57% of wholesale companies are integrating circular economy principles into their product lifecycle management
62% of wholesale companies have shifted to more sustainable logistics providers
41% of wholesale firms see sustainability as a differentiator in competitive bidding processes
45% of wholesale organizations are engaged in renewable energy purchasing contracts
23% of wholesale companies are investing in sustainable raw material alternatives

Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives Interpretation

With 68% of wholesale companies weaving sustainability into their supply chains and nearly three-quarters expecting eco-conscious practices to drive growth, it's clear that savvy wholesalers recognize that protecting the planet isn't just green marketing—it's good business that can cut costs, bolster resilience, and give them a competitive edge in a market where 70% of buyers now consider environmental impact a key factor in supplier choice.