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The DHL Group officially opens its new Europe Innovation Center in Troisdorf, Germany today – a significant step in the company’s commitment to actively shape the future of logistics through visionary, customer-oriented innovations. The new, expanded, and modernized center near the corporate headquarters in Bonn replaces the previous facility and supports the development and practical application of technologies that make supply chains smarter, more sustainable, and more resilient.
(Bonn) The new Innovation Center in Troisdorf also serves as a platform for collaboration with customers, startups, academic institutions, and industry partners. Covering an area of 5,360 square meters, the center showcases the latest advancements from DHL – including Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and sustainability-promoting technologies – and is a central component of the DHL Group Strategy 2030. This roadmap focuses on intelligent growth, emission-reduced logistics, and digital transformation, with the Innovation Center serving as a catalyst for pioneering logistics solutions.
“Innovation is the engine of our change. The new DHL Europe Innovation Center enables collaboration, fosters growth, and redefines possibilities in logistics – by turning ideas into reality,” says Katja Busch, Chief Commercial Officer of DHL and head of DHL Customer Solutions and Innovation. “Here, we are shaping the future of logistics together with our customers, partners, and employees.”
Built from laminated timber and powered by renewable energy, the new DHL Europe Innovation Center operates entirely without greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and exemplifies the company’s holistic sustainability approach. From the selection of natural materials to intelligent energy systems and low-emission construction methods – every aspect of the building is designed to minimize environmental impact, in line with the DGNB Platinum certification, one of the highest sustainability standards for green buildings in Europe. The center can accommodate up to 400 visitors and features a flexible, modular space concept that can easily adapt to various events and workshops, thus promoting dynamic collaboration and innovation. Additionally, the center houses the DHL Customer Solutions and Innovation Team, which plays a key role in implementing the company’s global innovation agenda alongside other DHL teams.
Customer-Oriented Innovation Strategy
The technologies presented in the Innovation Center are aligned with the key trends identified in the DHL Logistics Trend Radar – a strategic tool that helps customers and the logistics industry recognize changes in the sector early over the next decade. To understand how these trends are prioritized, DHL conducted a global survey of over 2,500 supply chain experts from various industries and regions1. The results show that AI, robotics, and Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) are the three most important trend clusters that will shape supply chains in the coming years:
- AI was identified by 44% of respondents as the most important driver for the future transformation of logistics.
- Robotics ranked second with 28% and is particularly valued for efficiency gains and automation.
- ESG followed with 25% and reflects the growing importance of sustainability in supply chains.
“Our customers are looking for solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also sustainable and scalable,” says Katja Busch. “The DHL Europe Innovation Center brings this shared vision to life through key technologies such as AI-based solutions, autonomous robotics, and eco-friendly packaging innovations – to name just a few.”
From Vision to Operational Impact
DHL not only develops and tests new technologies but also implements them on a large scale in its global operations. A central driver of this transformation is DHL Supply Chain, the contract logistics division of the group, which plays a key role in scaling innovations across the company.
Through a structured approach – consisting of modular standardization, strategic partnerships, and intelligent logistics platforms – DHL Supply Chain has successfully introduced technologies such as collaborative robots, AI-driven analytics, and autonomous transport systems at its logistics sites. To date, the company has implemented nearly 10,000 automation and digitization projects worldwide and integrated over 8,000 collaborative robots into operations.
Rainer Haag, CEO of DHL Supply Chain Europe, adds: “Today, nearly every site we operate is shaped by our innovation agenda. From automation, robotics, and IoT sensors to data analytics and AI – intelligent technologies are embedded in all our operational processes worldwide. We are convinced: Innovation only reaches its full potential when implemented on a large scale – and that is exactly what we do. We create tangible value for our customers, our employees, and our investors. This way, we help our customers grow – and grow together with them.”
Innovation is the Engine of Change
“Innovation is the engine of our change. The new DHL Europe Innovation Center enables collaboration, fosters growth, and redefines possibilities in logistics – by turning ideas into reality,” says Katja Busch, Chief Commercial Officer of DHL and head of DHL Customer Solutions and Innovation. “Here, we are shaping the future of logistics together with our customers, partners, and employees.”
Built from laminated timber and powered by renewable energy, the new DHL Europe Innovation Center operates entirely without greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and exemplifies the company’s holistic sustainability approach. From the selection of natural materials to intelligent energy systems and low-emission construction methods – every aspect of the building is designed to minimize environmental impact, in line with the DGNB Platinum certification, one of the highest sustainability standards for green buildings in Europe. The center can accommodate up to 400 visitors and features a flexible, modular space concept that can easily adapt to various events and workshops, thus promoting dynamic collaboration and innovation. Additionally, the center houses the DHL Customer Solutions and Innovation Team, which plays a key role in implementing the company’s global innovation agenda alongside other DHL teams.
A Connected Global Innovation Ecosystem
As a global flagship, the new DHL Europe Innovation Center in Germany is part of DHL’s worldwide network of innovation centers, which also includes locations in the Americas (Chicago), Asia-Pacific (Singapore), and the Middle East and Africa (Dubai). Together, these centers form a connected ecosystem that enables DHL to identify emerging trends, engage in dialogue with customers, test new technologies, and scale impactful solutions across regions and business areas. By fostering collaboration across geographical and industry-specific boundaries, DHL ensures that innovation is not only locally relevant but also globally scalable – thus driving progress in logistics and supply chain management worldwide.
1) The survey was developed and conducted by DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation. It is based on the responses of 2,597 supply chain experts from four global regions (Europe, Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa) and six key industries, including automotive, energy, industry & manufacturing, e-retail & fashion, technology, and life sciences & healthcare. The survey was active from June 15 to August 8, 2025.
Photos: © DHL Group
