Environmentally responsible logistics systems

TLDR

Logistics is essential to integrated environmental management, yet traditional trade‑off decisions must be re‑evaluated when environmental impacts are considered. The paper reviews environmentally responsible logistics activities, examines their role in the corporate value chain, identifies key decision points, and illustrates innovative practices in transportation and reverse logistics. It concludes that logistics managers can make environmentally responsible decisions that are coherent with corporate goals and objectives.

Abstract

Logistics can be an indispensable part of integrated environmental management programmes because of its cross‐functional nature. Provides an overview of environmentally responsible logistics activities and their implications for corporate management. Also examines logistics functions in the context of the corporate value chain and identifies various environmental decision points. With environmental impact considered, many traditional trade‐off decisions need to be re‐evaluated. Provides examples in which innovative and environmentally‐friendly logistics ideas are used. Also discusses two system‐wide logistics elements, transportation and reverse logistics, that can have a profound impact on a firm′s environmental protection programme. Concludes that logistics managers can make environmentally responsible decisions that are coherent with corporate goals and objectives.