DHL Group has officially opened its new Europe Innovation Centre to accelerate the future of logistics through cutting-edge technologies and sustainable design.
Replacing its previous hub, the 5,360-square-metre centre near Bonn will serve as a platform for collaboration between customers, start-ups, academia and industry partners. It showcases DHL’s latest advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and sustainability, acting as a cornerstone of the Group’s Strategy 2030. The roadmap focuses on smart growth, decarbonised logistics and digital transformation.
“Innovation is the engine driving our transformation. The new DHL Europe Innovation Center enables collaboration, driving growth, and redefining what’s possible in logistics—by turning ideas into impact,” said Katja Busch, Chief Commercial Officer DHL and Head of DHL Customer Solutions and Innovation.
Sustainability at the core
Constructed from cross-laminated timber and powered entirely by renewable energy, the facility operates with zero greenhouse gas emissions. The building has been designed to meet DGNB Platinum standards, one of Europe’s highest sustainability certifications, with flexible modular spaces capable of hosting up to 400 visitors.
Industry trends and customer priorities
The centre’s technologies reflect findings from DHL’s global survey of more than 2,500 supply chain professionals. Artificial intelligence emerged as the top driver of logistics transformation (44%), followed by robotics (28%) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities (25%).
“Our customers want solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also sustainable and scalable,” Busch said, highlighting DHL’s focus on AI-powered analytics, autonomous robotics and eco-friendly packaging.
From concept to scale
The Group’s Supply Chain division has played a key role in scaling innovation, having rolled out close to 10,000 automation and digitalisation projects worldwide, including the deployment of more than 8,000 collaborative robots.
“Nearly every customer site we operate has been touched by our innovation agenda,” said Rainer Haag, CEO at DHL Supply Chain Europe. “We firmly believe innovation only reaches its full potential when implemented at scale—and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
