The film and television industry faces growing pressure to minimise its environmental footprint. From set construction to freight movement, every element of production is being reviewed through a sustainability lens. Studios, broadcasters, and streaming platforms are setting ambitious climate targets, and production teams need logistics solutions that can deliver both efficiency and environmental responsibility.

For companies managing international shoots, heavy equipment, and tight schedules, freight operations must go beyond speed and reliability. They now need to reduce carbon emissions, limit waste, and make smarter use of resources. The good news: when approached strategically, sustainable logistics can achieve all three.

Why Sustainability Is Now Central to Film Logistics

Sustainability is no longer optional. ESG policies are reshaping procurement decisions, and stakeholders from film commissions to audiences expect measurable progress. Practices like high-emission air freight, single-use packaging, or ad-hoc shipments are increasingly replaced with greener alternatives that reduce environmental impact and build long-term resilience.

Freight providers for production aren’t just moving goods anymore — they’re actively shaping a greener footprint. The right partner ensures lower emissions, improved resource management, and transparency, while still keeping productions on track.

 

EFM Strategies for Greener Production Logistics

EFM integrates sustainability into every stage of freight planning. Key strategies include:

 

  1. Measure Before You Ship: The Freight Emissions Calculator

Thanks to our partnership with BIFA, teams can calculate the carbon footprint of any potential shipment before booking. Air vs. sea, weight, route options, and handling points are all modelled, allowing productions to plan efficiently and sustainably. Try the calculator here.

  1. Smart Planning Reduces Emissions and Risk

Optimising routes, consolidating loads, and minimising transfers lowers both emissions and handling risk. Productions stay on schedule without compromising sustainability.

  1. Packaging That Works Harder

Single-use crates and plastic wrap generate waste and hidden emissions. Use reusable flight cases and eco-friendly materials that protect equipment while reducing landfill contributions.

  1. Local Sourcing and Gear Depots

By leveraging a global gear network, we source equipment locally or stage pre-positioned kits when possible. This approach cuts long-haul transport emissions while ensuring creative needs are met.

  1. Credibility You Can Show

ESG compliance matters for broadcast standards, financing, and permits. EFM supports:

  • Emissions estimates for reporting
  • Offset documentation for compliance
  • Logistics strategies that align environmental and creative priorities

 

Understanding Carbon in Production Logistics

Sustainable logistics isn’t just about choosing one transport mode over another. Every factor contributes to the carbon footprint:

  • Route selection and conditions: Detours, congestion, and weather can increase fuel use.
  • Transport speed: Slower tends to mean greener, but small adjustments can significantly reduce emissions on faster routes.
  • Handling and transfers: Each transfer adds emissions, but sometimes switching modes is more efficient than a longer single-mode journey.
  • Packaging and cargo optimisation: Proper packing reduces waste and emissions per item.
  • Vehicle and vessel characteristics: Diesel, hybrid, and electric options differ in output, as do vessel size and load capacity.

EFM considers all these variables collectively, ensuring shipments meet sustainability targets without compromising schedule or safety.

Aligning Sustainability With Production Priorities

Environmental goals must coexist with operational realities:

  • Budget constraints: Shipping costs, customs, storage, and insurance must fit production budgets.
  • Timing pressures: Tight schedules may limit low-emission options.
  • Equipment availability: Seasonal demand and lead times affect shipping choices.
  • Safety and integrity: High-value or fragile items require secure, careful handling.

EFM integrates these considerations into a single strategy, delivering actionable solutions that reduce environmental impact while respecting financial, scheduling, and safety requirements.

 

The Bottom Line: Green Logistics That Don’t Compromise Production

EFM enables production teams to make informed, sustainable logistics decisions. By combining live emissions modelling, optimised freight strategies, and practical sustainability tools, we reduce carbon output while keeping your production on schedule.

Ship smarter. Lower your footprint. Keep your production moving. Contact us today.