Sending a parcel to Australia could become more sustainable, after a new best practice supply chain centre is set up in the region.

International couriers service DHL has partnered with the University of Singapore Logistics Institute - Asia Pacific to establish a $3 million (£1.97 million) Sustainable Supply Chain Center of Asia Pacific.

The new centre will serve as a best practice hub for the region to drive sustainable supply chains across the region, building on DHL's GoGreen environmental protection programme.

Commenting on the plans to set up the new centre, DHL supply chain Asia Pacific chief executive Paul Graham explained: "Through high-level research, surveys, conferences and forums, the Center will create new tools, best practices and know-how that will put the region at the leading edge of innovative sustainability practices."

DHL recently received an award for operational excellence at the Annual Asian Freight & Supply Chain Awards, which took place in China last month.

The international courier was named Best Express Operator and Best Logistics Service Provider in the Airfreight, Ocean Freight and Project Cargo categories.