Lean & Green takes a step forward with the creation of an international association to strengthen its implementation in Europe
Luxembourg, June 19th, 2026 – Lean & Green, the European initiative coordinated in Luxembourg by the Cluster for Logistics to decarbonize logistics, is entering a new phase with the establishment of the Lean & Green International Association, an organization created with the aim of strengthening its governance and accelerating the transition towards more sustainable transport and logistics across Europe.
Since 2008, the Lean & Green initiative and brand were owned by the Netherlands through Connekt, a non-profit Foundation that has driven the program for more than fifteen years. However, the new European context—marked by increasing regulatory demands and the need for consistent and comparable data across countries—has led to a reassessment of its organizational structure.
In this context, the creation of the Lean & Green International Association reflects the intention to reinforce the program’s common structure and strengthen the harmonization of criteria, enhance institutional recognition, and ensure coordinated implementation in new markets.
The new association will be responsible for managing the intellectual property of the brand, harmonizing the program across all participating countries, and promoting its international expansion. It will also work to strengthen recognition among European Union institutions, consolidating its role as a benchmark in sustainability applied to transport and logistics.
Luxembourg embraces the creation of the Lean & Green International Association as an important new phase for the initiative. Luxembourg participates as Associate Member. The Cluster for Logistics plans its 2026 Lean & Green Awards ceremony for 24th November 2026.
In addition, Estefanía Soler has been appointed Director of the Lean & Green International Association, leading this new phase of growth and consolidation of the programme across Europe, while also expanding its international reach beyond the continent.
“The evolution of Lean & Green, from a successful national initiative into a truly European movement, demonstrates the sector’s strong commitment to sustainability. The creation of the new international association provides us with the governance, scale and collaborative capacity needed to drive meaningful change beyond national borders. Together, we are building a robust platform that will support hundreds of companies, strengthen dialogue with European institutions and help shape the future of sustainable freight transport in Europe and at international level” said Estefanía Soler, Director of the Lean & Green International Association.
The launch of the association also represents a strong commitment from participating countries, as it requires adherence to a fully harmonized program. The organization will include eleven members: the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Romania.
Currently, more than 600 companies are part of the initiative across Europe, demonstrating the project’s consolidation and reach. With this new structure, Lean & Green strengthens its governance at a European level and positions itself as a driver for a coordinated and effective transition towards more sustainable transport and logistics models.
In this way, the creation of the Lean & Green International Association marks a new milestone for the program, reinforcing its commitment to cross-country cooperation, harmonization, and greater influence at the European level.
About Cluster for Logistics Luxembourg asbl
Established in 2009, C4L is an association that unites private enterprises, public institutions, and research centers to enhance Luxembourg's position as a premier intercontinental logistics hub in Europe.
Our mission is to serve, represent, and promote the Luxembourg logistics community. We facilitate networking, foster innovation, and support our members to ensure the competitiveness and visibility of Luxembourg's logistics sector.
About Lean & Green International Association
The Lean & Green International Association is a private association established to operate, enhance, and expand the Lean & Green International programme in the broadest sense, with the aim of reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and optimising transport performance through innovation and collaboration.
The main objective of this programme is to provide companies with verified recognition for achieving CO2-reduction targets in the logistical operation, which maintain a distinctive character for frontrunners in logistics over the period 2025–2040 (and beyond, up to 2050).