Eric Ballot, professor and researcher at MINES ParisTech - CGS, presents the Physical Internet Initiative, as a member of the steering committee.

The concept of Physical Internet offers to make a transformation of the logistics of the same magnitude as that which took place in the computer with the web. Today, logistics systems are characterized by a fragmented organization that leads to change of gauge. The lack of interconnection is a source of economic inefficiency and generates high environmental impacts.

The concept of Physical Internet aims to integrate logistics networks into an universal system interconnected through the development of protocols and standards "open source" for the routing of containerized cargo.

Based on this idea born in Canada, a process called Physical Internet Initiative was established in North America and Europe, involving researchers from different institutions (MINES ParisTech, EPFL in Switzerland, University Laval, University of Arkansas, GeorgiaTech, Virginia Tech...) and businesses. It is part of a draft sustainable logistics and reduce CO 2 emissions (factor 4).