DHL Group has inaugurated its new Europe Innovation Center in Troisdorf, Germany, a significant milestone in advancing the future of logistics through innovative, customer-focused strategies. This facility, which replaces the previous center, is located near the Group’s headquarters in Bonn and aims to enhance the development and practical application of technologies that foster smarter, more sustainable, and resilient supply chains.
Spanning 5,360 square meters, the center emphasizes DHL’s commitment to cutting-edge advancements including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). It serves as a collaborative platform for customers, startups, academic institutions, and industry partners. The center is also a cornerstone of DHL Group’s Strategy 2030, which prioritizes smart growth, emission-reduced logistics, and digital transformation.
Innovative Design and Sustainability Goals
The facility is constructed from cross-laminated timber and operates on renewable energy, achieving zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This design reflects DHL’s comprehensive approach to sustainability, featuring natural materials and low-emission construction to minimize environmental impact. It has attained DGNB Platinum certification, one of Europe’s highest sustainability standards for green buildings.
The center can accommodate up to 400 visitors and boasts a flexible, modular layout that adapts to various events and workshops, fostering dynamic collaboration. It is home to the DHL Customer Solutions and Innovation team, which is crucial in promoting the Group’s global innovation agenda.
Addressing Industry Trends and Customer Needs
The technologies presented in the Innovation Center align with key trends identified in the DHL Logistics Trend Radar. This strategic tool assists customers and the logistics community in anticipating industry shifts over the next decade. DHL conducted a global survey involving over 2,500 supply chain professionals, revealing that AI, robotics, and Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) are the top three areas expected to shape supply chains in the near future.
According to Katja Busch, Chief Commercial Officer of DHL and head of DHL Customer Solutions and Innovation, “Our customers want solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also sustainable and scalable.” The Innovation Center embodies this vision through technologies such as AI-powered solutions and eco-friendly packaging innovations.
DHL not only develops and tests new technologies but also implements them extensively across its global operations. A vital component of this transformation is DHL Supply Chain, the Group’s contract logistics division, which plays a critical role in bringing innovations to market.
Through a structured approach involving modular standardization and strategic partnerships, DHL Supply Chain has rolled out nearly 10,000 automation and digitalization projects globally, integrating over 8,000 collaborative robots into its operations.
Rainer Haag, CEO at DHL Supply Chain Europe, noted, “Today, nearly every customer site we operate has been touched by our innovation agenda. Intelligent technologies are embedded across all our operations, globally.” This emphasis on scalability is key to delivering real impact for customers and the organization alike.
The new DHL Europe Innovation Center is part of a broader network of Innovation Centers located in the Americas (Chicago), Asia Pacific (Singapore), and the Middle East & Africa (Dubai). Together, these centers create a connected ecosystem that enables DHL to identify emerging trends, engage with customers, and implement impactful solutions across various regions and business units.
By promoting collaboration across geographies and industries, DHL ensures that its innovations remain relevant on a local scale while being scalable on a global level, ultimately driving progress in logistics and supply chain management worldwide.
