The winners of this year’s Parcel and Postal Technology International Awards have been announced during a live awards ceremony at Parcel+Post Expo in Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The ceremony, held on Tuesday, October 22, revealed who triumphed in each of the nine award categories.
Service Provider of the Year: Nova Post
Ukraine’s Nova Post came out on top in the Service Provider of the Year category. Recognized as one of the country’s leading delivery companies, Nova Post has over 12,000 branches and 18,000 parcel lockers nationwide.
Despite operating in the war zone, last year Nova Post increased its network in Ukraine by 20%, opened 2,242 branches and installed 1,853 parcel lockers to now offer an incredible 30,000 service points in more than 10,000 settlements across Ukraine, even in frontline cities.
Last year, the operator built two new sorting hubs in Odesa and Kyiv, helping it deliver an impressive 412 million parcels – 30% more than in 2022. The company also installed generators and Starlinks during blackouts, provided humanitarian aid, introduced mobile branches and built shelters to protect its staff and customers. It has also launched Supernova Airlines for cargo services and continues to focus on global expansion and enhancing digital services.
Collecting the award, Volodymyr Popereshniuk, co-owner of Nova Post, said, “Winning this award is an incredible honor and a recognition of our team’s dedication to both innovation and service excellence. It validates the efforts we have made to ensure that customers receive fast, reliable deliveries regardless of location – whether in Ukraine or across Europe.
“This award motivates us to keep improving and to set even higher standards for ourselves, reinforcing the trust that customers place in Nova Post. It also demonstrates our ability to operate and grow in a highly competitive global market and under constant threat in the war zone.”
Also shortlisted:
- Deutsche Post DHL
- Lithuanian Post
- QazPost
- Royal Mail
Supplier of the Year: Körber
Körber was recognized for its collaboration with PostNord on an AI robot pilot project at the postal operator’s sorting center in Rosersberg, Sweden. The project highlights Körber’s ability to deliver cutting-edge automation solutions under tight deadlines, with the first VarioPick system being successfully installed within just six months. During this period, the team had to make various adjustments to accommodate a range of mail formats and implement technical modifications. These challenges were overcome through close collaboration between the two companies.
According to Körber, VarioPick plays a critical role in automating the singulation and induction of bulk mail in a compact space. It is equipped with an AI-based vision system and enables PostNord to meet current automation needs while also preparing for future demands. The project reached a major milestone when the system was successfully tested during the peak season of Christmas 2023, when it demonstrated high efficiency under pressure.
Also shortlisted:
- Arka
- Bloq.it
- Fortna
- Keba
Sorting Technology of the Year: Vanderlande – Parceltrax
Vanderlande’s sorting technology was recognized for its ability to address several challenges facing the industry today – including a rise in small-parcel volumes and increasing reliance on manual labor – by using automation.
Compared with manual and semi-automated handling processes, Parceltrax reduces the number of operators needed to manage the sorter’s capacity and throughput. By using the existing footprint around and beneath the small-parcel sorter, it also maximizes use of space.
Integration into a sortation center’s ongoing operations is also facilitated by the design of the Parceltrax hanger system, which is compatible with all small-parcel bags. This allows for direct transportation of full bags from chute to loading without intermediary handling stations, streamlining the process.
Collecting the award, Brendan Mathews, end-to-end product manager at Vanderlande, said, “Winning this award is a tremendous honor and a testament to the hard work and innovation of our entire team. It feels incredibly rewarding to see our efforts recognized by industry experts, especially in such a competitive field. This acknowledgment reinforces our belief in the technology we’ve developed and motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in parcel sorting.”
Also shortlisted:
- EAE Solutions – E-Cross/Slim
- Isistec – NBT Norway Project
- Posti – Lieto parcel palletizing robot
- Prime Vision – Address Vision Suite
- SEW-Eurodrive -next-generation drives/motors
- Wayzim – 10K 2D Bulk Flow Singulator System
Business Diversification of the Year: Turkish Post – Türkiye Card Project
This year’s Business Diversification of the Year award went to Turkish Post for its role in the Türkiye Card Project. Created as part of Turkey’s digital transformation, the project seeks to simplify everyday financial transactions for citizens by establishing a unified national e-payment system.
According to Turkish Post, this initiative has the potential to revolutionize how people in Turkey manage money transfers, shopping and transportation, making these routine tasks more streamlined and efficient.
Rolled out nationwide, it integrates existing fare systems and reduces waste from disposable cards. With a mobile app and website, Türkiye Card enhances convenience and sustainability, cutting costs and inefficiencies in public transportation and digital payments.
Also shortlisted:
- PostNL – feedback button
- Geomain
- Nova Post – self-service zone with digital assistant
- QazPost – Corporate bank development project
Environmental Achievement of the Year: Lithuanian Post – Reusable packaging purchasing solution
Lithuanian Post’s reusable packaging purchasing solution via parcel lockers was recognized for its sustainability benefits, enabling customers to purchase reusable packaging from 376 LP Express parcel lockers across 113 cities in Lithuania.
The post began trialling the service with second-hand fashion retailer Vinted in December 2023 and completed its rollout in February 2024. By the end of June 2024 more than 10,000 customers had used the service, with most liking the offer and nearly 25% showing increased interest in buying or selling more on Vinted.
According to Lithuanian Post, the project addresses significant environmental concerns by targeting the reduction of e-commerce parcel emissions related to packaging and last-mile delivery. The provision of more sustainable packaging alternatives improves the convenience of parcel lockers and ensures that customers are using a sustainable choice, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging alternatives.
Lithuanian Post also introduced 2,000 plastic reusable boxes in four sizes for moving its own retail items, with 70-80% of goods now transferred more sustainably.
Also shortlisted:
- Amazon – leading the transition from plastic to paper for secondary packaging
- CTT Portugal Post – recycled uniforms project
- DHL Supply Chain UK – Jaguar Land Rover HGV carbon reduction
- Pos Malaysia Berhad – environmental investments
- QazPost – eco-hubs
Packaging Innovation of the Year
Lithuanian Post’s reusable packaging purchasing solution via parcel lockers was also the winner in the Packaging Innovation of the Year category.
Also shortlisted:
- Amazon – leading the transition from plastic to paper for secondary packaging
- Lantech – Parcel Pack
- Nova Post – Box-o-mat automatic packaging seller
- Sparck Technologies – automated fit-to-size packaging systems
- CMC Packaging Automation – CartonWrap-DUO
Last-Mile Delivery Innovation of the Year: Austrian Post – in-home delivery
In 2021, Austrian Post trialled an in-home delivery service with smart access solution provider Nuki, involving about 100 participants in Vienna and Graz. The pilot received positive feedback, with 98% of participants recommending the service. Officially launched in May 2024, the service uses Nuki Smart Locks to give authorized delivery personnel access to customers’ homes. It facilitates parcel delivery and collection, saving time and emissions while improving delivery efficiency and customer satisfaction for users and delivery staff.
Also shortlisted:
- Modern Expo – Loko Wise
- Bettermile – cloud tracking
- Fortna – last-mile solution center
- Mily Technology – OOH analytics
- PostNord – hybrid box solutions
- Quadient – transforming train station lockers into sustainable and automated delivery hubs
E-commerce Fulfillment Technology of the Year: Magyar Posta – SMART by MPL
Magyar Posta has launched a unique robotic and automated warehouse logistics service called SMART by MPL, enhancing its parcel logistics capacity from order placement to delivery. This service manages the entire e-commerce process using proprietary software, and operates from its own parcel logistics center, ensuring streamlined fulfillment activities. By offering an end-to-end service that minimizes human error, SMART by MPL gives partners a competitive edge. Additionally, the company has developed a user-friendly fulfillment management system to support logistics processes, and is expanding its parcel locker infrastructure.
Also shortlisted:
- Fortna – OptiSlot
- HubBox – shipping software
- ShipStation
- Sick – Ident Gate System
Transport Innovation of the Year: Nüwiel – eTrailer
Nüwiel’s eTrailer is the first bicycle trailer featuring electric drive and zero-force sensor technology, enabling heavy goods to be transported effortlessly and sustainably. It automatically accelerates and brakes with the bike, making 200kg feel weightless and ensuring a smooth ride. The eTrailer connects to any bike and can function as a handcart in pedestrian zones. Recent updates since September 2023 include a battery range increase to 40km, enhanced suspension, improved chassis design and an IoT module for real-time data, boosting reliability by 30% and serviceability by 50%.
Commenting on the award win, Natalia Tomiyama, founder and CEO of Nüwiel, said, “Nüwiel has been developing its electric trailers specifically for heavy-duty postal and parcel delivery operations since 2016. Our goal was to provide delivery staff with a reliable and user-friendly mobility solution that enables them to move bulky mail and parcels safely and effortlessly in densely populated urban areas.
“We feel delighted to win Transport Innovation of the Year in the Postal and Parcel Technology International Awards and are grateful for the recognition of our work.”
Also nominated:
- CleverTec Systems – e-cargo bike telematics
- Correos – Eezon e3 three-wheeler vehicle
- Viettel Post – transportation management system
- TricyLift – cargo bike
2024 judging panel
- Abdulla Mohammed Al Ashram, group CEO, 7X (Emirates Post Group)
- Mark Briganti, principal director – health and public service, post and parcel, Accenture
- Cyril McGrane, director of international trade, An Post
- Shane Plant, general manager, network development and support services, Australia Post
- Jui-I Lim, general manager, international, Australia Post
- Peter Koller, vice president of international affairs, Austrian Post
- Jack Hamande, director general of digital transformation, Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications
- Michel Defloor, vice president of marketing, Bpost
- Elena Fernández Rodríguez, international affairs and sustainability director, Correos
- Henning Gaudszuhn, vice president of customer experience, DHL eCommerce Solutions
- Marek Różycki, managing partner, Last Mile Experts
- Joseph Gafa, CEO, Malta Post
- Hazel King, editor, Parcel and Postal Technology International
- Andre Pharand, founder and CEO, Pharand Advisors
- Charles Brewer, group CEO, Pos Malaysia
- Ian Kerr, founder, Postal Hub Podcast
- Bernhard Bukovc, chairman, Postal Innovation Platform
- Elmar Toime, chairman, Postea Group
- Cathy Roberson, research manager, Reverse Logistics Association
- Julia Pavlenko, director of the international operations department, Ukrposhta
- Gustavo Damy, postal technology center, Universal Postal Union
- Derek Osborn, business coach, Whatnext4U
Discover more about this year’s award winners in the December 2024 issue of Parcel and Postal Technology International – available online and in print soon!