This article from July 2025 highlights the urgent need for the art logistics sector to adopt greener practices to mitigate its significant carbon footprint. It discusses the carbon-intensive nature of transporting and exhibiting artworks, especially through air freight, which accounts for a large portion of emissions in the art world.
Key points include:
Industry Challenges
- High Carbon Emissions: Transport makes up about 80% of a typical gallery’s emissions, with air freight being particularly damaging. The global art sector emits approximately 70 million tonnes of CO₂e annually.
- Packaging Waste: Disposable wooden crates, often used just once, contribute to significant environmental waste.
Positive Changes
- Sustainability Efforts: Logistics professionals are advocating for measurable changes, such as carbon tracking and reusable crating systems. Innovations like ROKBOX Loop promise to reduce emissions substantially.
- Improved Practices: Use of electric vehicles for transport, energy-efficient storage solutions, and promoting slower shipping methods like consolidated sea freight are gaining traction.
Cultural Shift Needed
Despite these efforts, many in the art world still favor speed over sustainability. A collective recognition of the need for change is emerging, driven by organizations like the Gallery Climate Coalition, which advocates for reduced air freight.
Looking Ahead
The article emphasizes that while challenges remain, there are viable tools and methodologies to support sustainable practices. The art sector has the potential to lead in sustainability, just as it does in creativity and innovation.
The push for greener logistics is not only a moral choice but also a necessary evolution in a rapidly changing world.
