As part of the DigiGreenPost project, the authors conducted a comprehensive scoping review of best practices and policy documents related to digital and green transformation within the postal industry. This research focused on identifying and analyzing policies and practices that demonstrate how postal organizations in Europe and other regions have implemented sustainable and digital strategies. This analysis relied exclusively on documented evidence to map the current landscape, highlighting trends, gaps, and needs within the sector.

Our analysis of policy documents and best practices in the postal industry revealed distinct trends in digital and green transformation efforts across various countries. A total of 74 policies and 71 best practices were collected from numerous European nations as well as non-European countries. These documents were categorized and analyzed according to their primary focus (i.e., digitalization, green transformation, or both) as well as their country of origin, document type, specific field of interest, and skill requirements.

The breakdown per category indicated a balanced representation of digital and green policies, but a notably higher presence of green-focused best practices, reflecting a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability over recent years. This trend suggests that while both areas are prioritized, green practices are gaining traction as organizations seek to align with climate goals and reduce their environmental impact. Geographically, the policies and practices originated from a diverse range of countries. European Union countries, particularly Greece, Ireland, and Romania, demonstrated significant engagement with both digital and green initiatives. Additionally, some documents had a broader global application, suggesting that best practices in digital and green transformation are being shared and adapted across borders. When analyzing by field of interest, three major areas stood out: digitalization, green transformation, and parcel delivery. The focus on parcel delivery aligns with the rising demand for efficient logistics in e-commerce, where sustainability and digital efficiency are increasingly critical. In particular, green transformation policies were closely linked to pollution reduction and cost efficiency, indicating that environmental concerns are frequently coupled with economic incentives in policy design. Furthermore, skill requirements within these policies highlighted the essential competencies needed for digital and green transitions in postal services. Computer and digital skills were identified as key priorities, alongside environmental awareness and maintenance skills. This finding emphasizes the importance of workforce development in supporting sustainable and digital advancements within the sector.

In conclusion, this study contributes valuable insights into the practical steps and strategic approaches that can support postal organizations in their dual transition toward sustainability and digitalization. By compiling and examining these best practices, this study offers a foundation for policymakers and industry leaders seeking to enhance environmental responsibility and digital capacity within the postal sector.

Keywords: Lifelong learning, workplace learning, digital competences, green competences, postal sector.