Delivering light anywhere: How BRIGHT’s humanitarian logistics enable global reach

In this article, we explore how BRIGHT’s logistics practices enable global reach and have made us a reliable partner in humanitarian supply chains. Learn how innovations in product design, packaging, and shipping allow us to optimise deliveries while maintaining sustainability.

Logistics built for humanitarian impact

BRIGHT primarily supplies humanitarian organisations with solar lamps and energy solutions. When orders are placed, we know each shipment is destined for people in urgent need. That is why timely and intact delivery is non-negotiable, and why we invest significant care and attention into how we handle logistics.

Depending on order size and stock availability, BRIGHT typically delivers products within five to seven days under Free Carrier (FCA) terms. In this arrangement, BRIGHT delivers goods, cleared for export, to a carrier or another party nominated by the buyer at a designated location (for example, a port, terminal, or warehouse). We also offer Delivered at Place (DAP) shipping, where BRIGHT organises transport to the destination.

Customer Service Manager Weronika Matuszak , who oversees logistics and shipping at BRIGHT, explains: “Every customer is equally important to us. Each order matters, whether it’s 60 units or 54,000. We treat them all the same and do our best to deliver their products.”

Weronika emphasises BRIGHT’s strength in adapting to customer needs and prioritising personalised communication; “They feel well taken care of,” she says.

Smart logistics: flexibility, data and local partnerships

BRIGHT’s logistics edge comes from a combination of:

• Flexible shipping plans
• Smarter palletisation
• Data-driven planning
• Strong relationships with local partners

This enables us to reach communities quickly, even in challenging locations.

“This combination of data, local knowledge, and sustainability ensures our products do not just arrive quickly, they arrive where they are needed most, in the most responsible way possible,” Weronika adds.

Pallets optimised for humanitarian logistics

BRIGHT uses custom-made “relief pallets” developed specifically for shipping core relief items to the UNHCR. These plywood pallets maximise container space, allowing more solar lamps to be shipped compared to standard Euro pallets. They are also more sustainable.

Product design that supports efficient shipping

Our product design is logistics conscious; we aim to maximise the number of units we can fit into a shipping container. For example, Sol, one of our latest solar lamps, was designed to occupy half the space of our popular SunBell lamp. This means 10,080 units of Sol fit in a 20-foot shipping container, compared to 5,040 units of SunBell.

Data-driven planning for resilience

Data underpins BRIGHT’s logistics strategy. By analysing sales patterns and shipment records, we forecast demand and ensure product availability when needed most.

We also use data to:

• Track delivery times
• Identify bottlenecks
• Monitor costs
• Optimise last-mile delivery routes
• Adjust inventory levels across warehouses

This approach reduces waste, lowers emissions, and makes our logistics network more resilient. “Because of this, BRIGHT products reliably reach even the most remote communities,” says Weronika.

During crises, such as floods, conflict, or pandemics, real-time data and local partnerships help us monitor risks and reroute shipments. We work with multiple logistics providers to avoid single points of failure and adjust inventory buffers to prevent stockouts.

“Equally important is our collaboration with local teams who provide insights that data alone can’t capture. Their knowledge helps us prioritise urgent deliveries, ensure safety, and adapt to changing regulations,” Weronika explains.

Global network for humanitarian deliveries

BRIGHT has built long-term partnerships with trusted freight forwarders worldwide. We only work with partners known for reliable communication and delivery.

Weronika highlights the importance of these relationships; “They’re built on trust and a shared motivation to provide the best service. This allows us to conduct quality checks, track shipments, and ensure customers receive products in perfect condition.”

Creative solutions for complex challenges

Shipping to remote or politically unstable regions often involves navigating customs bureaucracy, humanitarian exemptions, and multi-modal transport.

Political issues can cause delays, requiring flexibility and creative problem-solving from both BRIGHT and our logistics partners. “These situations highlight the value of reliable logistics partners,” Weronika says.

Sustainability in every shipment

BRIGHT strives to use plastic-free, minimal packaging. We prioritise sea freight over air freight to reduce emissions, except for urgent orders.

Lower costs, greater reach

As our product line has grown, so have our logistics capabilities. We have refined product design and packaging, adopted smarter pallets, and built strong logistics partnerships. These efforts have:

• Reduced transportation costs
• Lowered emissions
• Improved delivery efficiency

Most importantly, they have brought us closer to our goal: delivering access to sustainable light and energy everywhere.