Green supply chain practices and company performance: the case of 3PLs in Italy

TLDR

Logistics companies face growing pressure to adopt green processes, and literature indicates a need to understand how green supply chain practices can enhance environmental, economic, and operational performance. The study investigates the green supply chain practices adopted by Italian 3PLs, their adoption levels, and how these practices influence company performance, thereby enhancing understanding of GSCP–performance links. The authors conducted a multi‑case study of 15 Italian 3PLs, gathering data via face‑to‑face semi‑structured interviews with senior representatives. The study finds that while interest in environmental issues is rising, overall GSCP adoption remains limited and its performance benefits are modest, though proactive firms already reap environmental and economic gains, and the findings can guide firms in refining or selecting GSCPs and reveal that supply‑chain type influences GSCP uptake. The study is limited to Italian 3PLs, so results may not generalize to other countries or sectors.

Abstract

Purpose The pressure on logistics companies to embrace green processes has increased significantly in the last few years. Within the broad concept of green supply chain management, a review of the existing literature has highlighted a need to understand how green supply chain practices (GSCP) can contribute to improving company performance from an environmental point of view, as well as economic and operational. This paper aims to investigate the GSCP adopted by third party logistics (3PLs) in Italy in terms of specific practices implemented and level of adoption of each practice, and to explore how this adoption can affect the company performance. Design/methodology/approach Multi‐case study research involving 15 3PLs operating in Italy, with data collected through face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews with senior representatives from each company. Findings Even if findings reveal an overall increasing interest towards environmental issues, the current level of adoption of GSCP is still limited amongst the 3PLs investigated as well as their benefits in terms of company performance. Some players have shown a more proactive attitude and started benefiting substantially from the adoption of GSCP, mainly in terms of environmental and economic performance. Research limitations/implications The research focuses on 3PLs operating in Italy – findings may differ in other countries and sectors. Practical implications Findings can be used to support company decisions to either modify the GSCP already in place to achieve a set target or identify the most suitable GSCP to implement. Originality/value This study contributes to a better understanding of the links between GSCP and company performance. It also provides insights into the GSCP currently in place amongst 3PLs operating in Italy, identifying the type of supply chain to which companies belong (or intend to belong in the future) as a relevant factor.