Co-designing the future of urban deliveries
As e-commerce continues to reshape retail, cities across Europe are facing the growing challenge of how to make urban deliveries more sustainable, inclusive and efficient.
Through a series of co-design workshops in Oslo, Milan, Antwerp and Utrecht, CodeZERO is bringing together a unique mix of stakeholders including retailers, logistics providers, public authorities and citizens. The aim is to reimagine the future of last-mile delivery. These workshops are at the heart of the CodeZERO project, placing people at the centre of the design process to ensure solutions are not only sustainable, but also practical and widely supported.
CodeZERO co-design workshops in four pilot sites
The first co-design workshop took place in Oslo, bringing together representatives from IKEA, Posten Bring, the City of Oslo and local consumers. The central question was clear: what will it take to make delivery more sustainable in Oslo? Consumers took a leading role in the discussions, offering fresh ideas and challenging long-held assumptions about how goods move through the city. The workshop highlighted the importance of rethinking delivery systems from the ground up, with everyday users providing valuable insights into what sustainable delivery could and should look like.
In Milan, the first workshop was held at the So.De logistics micro-hub, where a diverse group of retailers, logistics operators, local authorities and consumers came together to shape the future of e-commerce delivery. The event was marked by strong collaboration and open dialogue. Participants shared practical experiences and creative visions for improving delivery systems in Milan, setting the stage for the next steps in the co-design process. With support from project partners including IKEA, So.De – Social Delivery and AMAT, the team is preparing for a second workshop on 9 April to build on this momentum and further develop solutions to be tested locally.
In Antwerp, the second co-design workshop marked a clear shift from ideas to concrete proposals. Participants, including retailers, logistics providers, citizens and local authorities, explored practical innovations such as smart parcel lockers, eco-impact scoring systems and reward schemes that encourage more sustainable delivery choices. The workshop confirmed that co-design is an effective tool to build consensus through open discussion and collaboration. A strong emphasis was placed on behavioural change, with participants highlighting that long-term impact requires shifts in both attitudes and habits. Rather than focusing on penalties, the group favoured positive incentives that reward sustainable decisions. One of the strongest conclusions was the importance of a localised approach. By working at the neighbourhood level, stakeholders are able to identify targeted interventions that match local needs and realities. These co-created solutions are now being prepared for real-life testing in selected districts of Antwerp.
While detailed results from Utrecht’s co-design process are still forthcoming, the city is actively participating in the CodeZERO pilot. With its strong sustainability credentials and progressive urban planning, Utrecht brings a distinct perspective to the shared challenge of making deliveries greener and more people-centred. Local workshops are contributing valuable input that complements the work of the other pilot cities.
Common lessons, local solutions
Across all four cities, a number of common themes are emerging. First, inclusive co-design helps unlock better ideas by giving space to all voices, from consumers to city officials. Second, local context matters. What works in Oslo may not work in Antwerp, which is why neighbourhood-level solutions are proving to be the most effective. Finally, change is possible. With the right partnerships, tools and commitment, more sustainable deliveries are within reach. The CodeZERO co-design workshops are just the beginning. Over the coming months, participating cities will begin testing selected solutions on the ground, focusing on practical implementation and citizen impact. These pilots will contribute to a broader blueprint for sustainable urban logistics, designed to be replicated and scaled in cities across Europe.
As the project evolves, so too will the ideas shaped in these workshops. When cities and citizens work together, a better delivery future becomes not only imaginable but achievable.
