Corporate Moving update – November 2025

Sustainability, ethics, and operational balance in global moving

Sustainability continues to define the direction of the moving industry. Recent industry publications, including FIDI Focus and The Mover, highlight a shift from discussion to implementation as operators balance environmental goals with commercial reality. The focus is moving from broad ambition to practical, measurable progress.

Sustainability gains momentum

Across the sector, companies are investing in cleaner fleets, recyclable packing materials and smarter routing to reduce emissions. For many, these steps are part of wider ESG commitments demanded by clients and regulators alike. The transition remains gradual but visible, evidence that sustainability is now integral to how moving businesses operate rather than an optional goal.

The economic challenge

The path to net zero remains complex. Electric trucks and hybrid fleets carry high replacement costs, while charging infrastructure and local environmental rules vary widely. A vehicle compliant in one city may face penalties in another, creating planning difficulties for cross-border operations. Packaging costs also remain a barrier: recyclable and paper-based alternatives are available but often more expensive than traditional products and price sensitivity among end-users slows adoption.

Raising ethical and professional standards

At the same time, the European moving community is discussing stronger ethics and governance frameworks to reinforce trust, transparency and fair competition. These developments reflect the growing importance of accountability across the global supply chain. For organisations managing international relocations, due diligence now extends beyond operational quality to include ethical performance.

Innovation in sustainable packing

Suppliers are testing new recyclable and biodegradable materials to replace plastics and foams in export packing. While not yet cost-neutral, progress is steady. The combination of innovation, policy support and customer expectation is expected to accelerate change in the coming years.

Strategic recommendations for businesses

• Review supplier sustainability and ethics policies as part of vendor assessments.
• Adopt a phased approach to fleet and material upgrades, aligning investment with regulatory timelines.
• Track government incentives and infrastructure updates that could influence operational planning.
• Integrate sustainability metrics into relocation reporting and performance reviews.
• Partner with relocation providers who maintain visibility of compliance, environmental, and ethical standards.

At Santa Fe Relocation, we continue to monitor global shipping markets, policy changes and industry innovations to provide our clients with accurate intelligence and practical solutions.

Henk Schutte
Head of Logistics
henk.schutte@santaferelo.com

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