SMI LOGISTICS & DELIVERY SUSTAINABILITY UPDATE

At SMI, we are always looking for practical ways to reduce our environmental impact.

Our delivery network plays a major role in that effort. By improving how we move products, we can reduce emissions while maintaining a reliable service for you, our customers.

Here's how we’re making progress.

SMI’S OWN DELIVERY FLEET

In early 2024, we launched our own delivery service as part of our seven-year sustainability plan.

We started with one driver.

Today, the fleet has grown to seven vans serving customers across:

• The Midlands
• Greater London
• South East England

Currently, 17% of all SMI orders are delivered by our own fleet.

IMPROVING DELIVERY EFFICIENCY

Running our own delivery service allows us to manage routes directly. This gives us better control over scheduling and helps us to combine deliveries where possible.

In some areas, this approach has already reduced delivery frequency by around 40%, helping to:

• Reduce delivery journeys.
• Lower transport emissions.
• Support customers in lowering downstream emissions.

FLEET ACTIVITY AND EMISSIONS

We monitor our fleet mileage each year to understand the environmental impact of our logistics operations.

In 2025, our delivery fleet completed:

• 182,850 miles delivering products to customers.
• 5,820 miles between our warehouse and Branding Hub.

This resulted in 188,670 total miles travelled across the fleet.

Based on industry emissions factors, this activity equates to an estimated 74.2 tonnes of CO2e.

These figures are calculated using standard emissions estimates rather than precise fuel data. Actual emissions may vary depending on load weight and route conditions.

PARTNERING WITH DPD

SMI has worked with DPD for many years to support our delivery operations.

Today, around 80% of outbound deliveries from our distribution centre are handled by DPD.

DPD is recognised as one of the UK’s leading sustainable courier services and has committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2040.

Their progress includes:

• Over 3,900 electric vans in operation.
• Multiple national sustainability awards.
• 5% carbon reduction since their 2020 baseline.

Working with partners who share our environmental goals helps us reduce emissions across our supply chain.

OUR BRANDING HUB

In 2025, SMI opened a dedicated Branding Hub located just 2.8 miles from our main warehouse.

The new facility added 9,431 sq. ft of operational space and supports our growing embroidery and heat seal production.

Keeping both sites close together helps improve operational efficiency while lowering transport impact.

 

WHY LOCATION MATTERS

Having two nearby facilities brings several environmental and operational benefits.

It allows us to:

• Improve stock management.
• Lower associated Scope 3 emissions.
• Reduce fuel use and transport emissions.
• Simplify production and distribution logistics.

Our vans currently make around nine short journeys each day between the warehouse and Branding Hub.

This route will become an important testing ground for the introduction of new technology.

TRIALLING OUR FIRST ELECTRIC VAN

In 2026, SMI will introduce its first electric delivery vehicle.

The van will operate primarily on the short route between our warehouse and Branding Hub.

This controlled environment will allow us to test:

• Delivery efficiency
• Charging requirements
• Operational impact on logistics
• Battery performance in daily operations

The goal is to understand how the introduction of electric vehicles will perform in real working conditions.

 

ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND THE FUTURE OF THE FLEET

Electric vehicles will play an important role in the future of logistics.

However, the UK charging network still varies significantly between regions. This creates challenges for nationwide delivery options.

Current limitations include:

• Uneven distribution of rapid charging stations.
• Longer charging times compared with refuelling.
• Reduced vehicle range when carrying heavy loads.

Because of these limitations, SMI is taking a measured and practical approach to fleet transition. 

DRIVER SAFETY AND WELLBEING

The safety and wellbeing of our drivers remain a priority.

Our drivers operate across a wide range of locations, from city centres to rural areas. Reliable vehicles and predictable routes are essential for safe operations.

We combine careful route planning, driver training, and gradual vehicle upgrades. This ensures sustainability improvements never compromise driver safety.

OUR LONG-TERM COMMITMENT

SMI will continue improving our logistics operations while reducing environmental impact.

Our focus includes:

• Trialling electric vehicles.
• Expanding lower-emission delivery options.
• Improving route efficiency and fleet monitoring.
• Transitioning to 100% green electricity across all SMI sites by 2030.

Every improvement helps us build a more efficient and environmentally responsible operation.

SMI FLEET SNAPSHOT

Here’s a quick overview of our current delivery fleet and operational activity:

• Total vans in fleet: 7
• Annual fleet mileage: 188,670 miles (2025)
• Electric vans: 1 pilot vehicle arriving in 2026
• Estimated fleet emissions: 74.2 tonnes CO2e
• Average starting delivery load: 1,500 to 2,500 kg

If you have any questions about SMI’s delivery operations or sustainability commitments, please get in touch with our Head of ESG and Sustainable Procurement for more information.