Logistics Market Study Switzerland 02/2025 is online

The current Logistics Market Study Switzerland 02/2025 by GS1 Switzerland provides a clear picture: The industry is undergoing a profound transformation characterized by sustainability goals, technological innovations, and growing societal demands. Notably, there has been a historic decline in greenhouse gas emissions in road freight transport.

(Bern/St. Gallen) For the first time in this millennium, Switzerland recorded a noticeable decrease: Emissions fell from 2.92 to 2.58 million tons of CO₂ equivalents – a reduction of 11.6 percent compared to the previous year. This was made possible by more efficient drive technologies and the increasing share of electrically powered heavy commercial vehicles. In 2024, their new registrations reached a record share of almost twelve percent. At the same time, it is evident that the existing fleet is still lagging behind. Currently, only about three percent of freight vehicles operate with alternative drives – the transformation is therefore just beginning.

In addition to decarbonization, efficient land use is coming to the forefront. Switzerland is grappling with increasing land demand in cities, while the availability of building land for logistics projects stagnates. According to the study, around 26.5 million square meters are available for logistical purposes – a fraction compared to residential or office spaces. Particularly in the so-called “golden triangle” of Zurich–Bern–Basel, reserves are nearly exhausted. Innovative solutions are needed: Vertical storage, mixed-use concepts, or underground systems should help optimize the limited space.

A showcase project for efficient land use is the logistics center in Lucerne by Imbach Logistik AG. On just 8,000 square meters of construction area, a fully automated logistics center was built with an internal volume of 215,000 cubic meters, state-of-the-art technology, and its own energy supply. A prime example of how sustainable logistics can look in densely urbanized areas.

Technological innovations are also driving the change. Autonomous vehicles are seen as a medium-term opportunity to alleviate the shortage of skilled workers and reduce costs. While fully autonomous trucks are still a vision for the future, pilot projects in confined areas such as factory premises or intralogistics are already running successfully. The establishment of highly precise digital maps and clear legal frameworks remains crucial.

No Disconnected Trends

The Logistics Market Study 2025 clearly shows: Climate goals, efficient resource use, and technological advancements are not disconnected trends, but are closely linked. Those who invest now can secure competitive advantages and actively shape how logistics will function in Switzerland in the future.

The study is published annually in cooperation with GS1 Switzerland and the University of St. Gallen, providing decision-makers with data, background information, and strategic insights for an industry that remains in motion.

Download the study here

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