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The DHL Group operates a total of four Innovation Centers worldwide – in Germany, Singapore, the USA, and the United Arab Emirates. For Germany, a state-of-the-art, CO2-neutral Innovation Center is now planned, located in Troisdorf, very close to the company’s headquarters in Bonn. As a clear commitment to sustainability, DHL is constructing a building using timber for the first time.
(Bonn/Troisdorf) The company is committed to supporting its customers and partners with forward-looking solutions for their logistical challenges. Construction is set to begin in just a few weeks. The current location of the DHL Innovation Center at Junkersring 55 will be returned to the landlord once the new premises can be occupied in 2025.
“It is important for us to support our customers and partners with forward-looking logistics solutions. With our previous Innovation Center in Troisdorf, we have reached our capacity limits after 15 years. The new DHL Europe Innovation Center will not only provide more space, but it also represents a pioneering combination of environmental responsibility, social benefit, and economic viability,” emphasizes Katja Busch, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Customer Solutions & Innovation at DHL. “With our commitment to a greener future, we are setting new sustainability standards in the logistics industry.”
Holistic Approach for a New, Sustainable Innovation Center
Both the realization and operation of the building will follow sustainable principles. Even during construction, the company focuses on using environmentally friendly materials from regional production. The new DHL Europe Innovation Center is to be made entirely of cross-laminated timber – a first for the DHL Group. Circular design elements and renewable raw materials will also be used to enhance the well-being of employees and visitors. Furthermore, the building will be climate-neutral through the use of environmentally friendly technologies, including a PV roof system.
Much is also planned for the interior. A large showroom will present trends and technologies, unique exhibits, and immersive experiences. A modular and customer-oriented concept allows the spaces to be adapted for different uses. Combined with various conference and workshop rooms, the Innovation Center is suitable for large industry events. With a total area of around 5,000 square meters, it can accommodate events with up to 400 people.
Partnerships within the Region
The decision to build in Troisdorf, about five kilometers from the previous location, had strategic reasons – primarily the proximity to the company headquarters and the commitment to the region, which will clearly benefit from the investment. The Innovation Center is being planned in collaboration with the city of Troisdorf and regional providers.
“Troisdorf is looking forward to the construction of the DHL Europe Innovation Center in the city center. Making significant leaps in innovation while simultaneously reducing the CO2 footprint is an exciting challenge that we, as a city, are happy to support. We look forward to the synergies that will arise from the diverse business landscape in Troisdorf and far beyond, and we thank you for the trust in our strong economic location,” says Alexander Biber, Mayor of Troisdorf.
The entrance area of the new DHL Innovation Center in Troisdorf is inspiring right from the moment you step in
DHL’s Innovation Approach and Platform
With its four Innovation Centers in Germany, Singapore, the USA, and the United Arab Emirates, DHL pursues a focused, user-oriented, and systematic approach to identify trends, best practices, and potential industry applications, as well as their significance for logistics at an early stage. In addition to workshops, guided tours, and customer events, projects with partners take place in the Innovation Center aimed at better understanding customer requirements and solving supply chain issues. For example, the company continuously improves its processes to provide employees with a safe working environment. A recently conducted proof of concept in collaboration with DHL Global Forwarding in Denmark explores the integration of AI and computer vision into operational processes to enhance safety. The partnership with Protex AI, based on AI-driven technology, facilitates proactive safety decisions through actionable insights.
The DHL Innovation Centers welcome over 15,000 visitors worldwide each year, collaborate with over 100 startups, manage more than 150 innovation projects, and involve around 1,000 experts. This demonstrates the company’s commitment to pioneering developments for the future of logistics.
Photos: © DHL
