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Book part
Publication date: 4 December 2014

Maria Björklund and Helena Forslund

This study aims to illustrate how retail chains with a green image align sustainable logistics actions, logistics measurements and contracts with logistics service providers…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to illustrate how retail chains with a green image align sustainable logistics actions, logistics measurements and contracts with logistics service providers (LSPs), and to develop a classification model that allows for a description of the various shades of green within companies.

Design/methodology/approach

We carried out a multiple case study of four retail chains with a green image operating in the Swedish market, collecting empirical data from the retail chains’ sustainability reports and home pages and conducting interviews with logistics, transportation and supply chain managers.

Findings

Based on the literature, we developed a classification model for judging green image, green logistics actions, green measurements and green contracts. The model is used to illustrate the different shades of green found within the respective retail chains. A green image seems well-aligned with green logistics actions. However, there are more levels to judge, and the measurement systems are not sufficiently developed to track green logistics actions. Contract handling is more developed among retail chains than measurements, which is positive, as this is a way of ensuring that LSPs are involved. In our classification model, greenwashing can be judged in a more nuanced way, delving deeper under the surface.

Research limitations/implications

The provided classification model adds to our knowledge and illustrates the alignment within companies’ sustainable logistics. The robustness of the model can be strengthened by applying it to a larger number of cases and by continually validating its content and evaluation criteria.

Practical implications

The study’s main practical contribution is the classification model, which may potentially serve as a method for managers to easily judge the green alignment of a retail chain’s logistics.

Originality/value

Few empirical studies capture how retail chains measure environmental logistics performance, and even fewer concern contracts stipulating the environmental demands placed on LSPs.

Details

Sustainable Logistics
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78441-062-9

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 July 2023

Ali Nikseresht, Davood Golmohammadi and Mostafa Zandieh

This study reviews scholarly work in sustainable green logistics and remanufacturing (SGLR) and their subdisciplines, in combination with bibliometric, thematic and content…

1209

Abstract

Purpose

This study reviews scholarly work in sustainable green logistics and remanufacturing (SGLR) and their subdisciplines, in combination with bibliometric, thematic and content analyses that provide a viewpoint on categorization and a future research agenda. This paper provides insight into current research trends in the subjects of interest by examining the most essential and most referenced articles promoting sustainability and climate-neutral logistics.

Design/methodology/approach

For the literature review, the authors extracted and sifted 2180 research and review papers for the period 2008–2023 from the Scopus database. The authors performed bibliometric and content analyses using multiple software programs such as Gephi, VOSviewer and R programming.

Findings

The SGLR papers can be grouped into seven clusters: (1) The circular economy facets; (2) Decarbonization of operations to nurture a climate-neutral business; (3) Green sustainable supply chain management; (4) Drivers and barriers of reverse logistics and the circular economy; (5) Business models for sustainable logistics and the circular economy; (6) Transportation problems in sustainable green logistics and (7) Digitalization of logistics and supply chain management.

Practical implications

In this review, fundamental ideas are established, research gaps are identified and multiple future research subjects are proposed. These propositions are categorized into three main research streams, i.e. (1) Digitalization of SGLR, (2) Enhancing scopes, sectors and industries in the context of SGLR and (3) Developing more efficient and effective climate-neutral and climate change-related solutions and promoting more environmental-related and sustainability research concerning SGLR. In addition, two conceptual models concerning SGLR and climate-neutral strategies are developed and presented for managers and practitioners to consider when adopting green and sustainability principles in supply chains. This review also highlights the need for academics to go beyond frameworks and build new techniques and instruments for monitoring SGLR performance in the real world.

Originality/value

This study provides an overview of the evolution of SGLR; it also clarifies concepts, environmental concerns and climate change practices, particularly those directed to supply chain management.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 February 2020

Usman Al-Minhas, Nelson Oly Ndubisi and Fatima Zahra Barrane

Green human resource management (GHRM) and sustainable green logistics (SGLOG) are some of the mechanisms by which sustainable corporate environmental management could be…

2215

Abstract

Purpose

Green human resource management (GHRM) and sustainable green logistics (SGLOG) are some of the mechanisms by which sustainable corporate environmental management could be consummated. However, prior studies linking GHRM and green logistics are lacking in the literature. This paper extends prior efforts by developing a model linking GHRM and SGLOG.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrative review of extant literature on green human resource management and sustainable green logistics was conducted, and an integrative model developed.

Findings

Improving environmental performance is a key way that businesses can improve their corporate social responsibility and brand image. The resulting model includes expanded components of GHRM (training, development, compensation, awards and recognition, recruitment, and performance management) and of SGLOG (transportation and shipping, warehousing, packaging, and reverse logistics). Categories of shipping and transportation include the following facets: transportation intensity, modal split, emissions intensity, energy efficiency, and vehicle utilization efficiency. The model also highlights the mediating role of management and employee attitudes, knowledge, and skills in the GHRM-SGLOG link, as well as their interaction.

Research limitations/implications

Green human resource management is associated with sustainable green logistics. This association is theoretically mediated by management and employee attitudes, knowledge, and skills. Top management support and influence of other stakeholders are key facilitators.

Practical implications

The paper suggests potential barriers to GHRM and SGLOG adoption/diffusion and panaceas. It also proposes some key drivers of sustainable green logistics and corporate environmental management.

Firms must carry out their operations in ways that do not compromise societal and environmental well-being. High economic performance alone no longer suffice. A balanced performance that also emphasizes social and environmental well-being (the triple bottom line, 3BL) can be achieve through the implementation of the proposed model.

Originality/value

The integrative model presented in the paper advances the current understanding of the link between GHRM and SGLOG. The paper adds additional value by unveiling some key future research directions.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 31 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 May 2014

Jens Tacken, Vasco Sanchez Rodrigues and Robert Mason

The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent to which the measures outlined in frameworks for guiding CO2e emissions reduction in road freight transport in the academic…

6261

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent to which the measures outlined in frameworks for guiding CO2e emissions reduction in road freight transport in the academic literature are actually being realised at a practical level.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative evaluation is carried out of the transport-related CO2e measurement and reduction initiatives in the German logistics sector through ten case study logistics service providers. For each, senior managers are interviewed with the findings synthesised through content-analysis. The initiatives are evaluated against an accepted leading framework model used to categorise CO2e emissions reduction initiatives.

Findings

The investigated firms, although at different evolutionary stages, understand that logistics and ecology do not, for the most part, contradict each other and both need to be considered in their companies’ long-term planning. The framework used to categorise CO2e emissions reduction initiatives in logistics provision is largely confirmed, but also refined.

Research limitations/implications

The research reaffirms and refines frameworks developed to encourage and assess green logistics practice, in a specific country's (Germany) logistics industry.

Practical implications

The analysis shows strong evidence that the options identified in theory are also valid for the German logistics service provider companies that were investigated. Most of the participating companies apply many of the operational options to reduce the environmental impact, although no one company is pursuing all the possible initiatives.

Originality/value

There is a lack of empirical studies which assess the application of green logistics initiatives identified in academic literature to practice. This paper contributes to filling this gap.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 25 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 October 2013

Ali Pazirandeh and Hamid Jafari

The purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate whether or not greening efforts are dependent on a higher level company-wide sustainability strategy to be carried out and…

8998

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate whether or not greening efforts are dependent on a higher level company-wide sustainability strategy to be carried out and whether or not greening efforts lead to any changes in logistics effectiveness and logistics efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on empirical data collected via a survey sent to logistics managers and transport purchasers at Nordic multinationals. The results were analysed using structural equation model as to validate the anticipated relationships between the designed constructs.

Findings

Within this research, the authors have tried to validate the existence of relationships between a company's sustainability strategy, its transportation greening efforts and logistics performance.

Research limitations/implications

The paper investigates the possible effect the sustainability strategy of the firm will have on its decision to green its transportation, and the possible effect these measures will have on logistics efficiency and effectiveness. The empirical data gathered for this research are regionally restricted to the Nordic region. Further research could empirically test these relationships with empirical data from other countries or industries, perhaps using other performance constructs, to see if the results hold true.

Practical implications

It is shown that companies with a sustainability strategy are focusing on greening their transportation both from purchasing and operations perspectives to improve their entire environmental performance. The results from this paper fail to support the assumption that company-wide sustainability strategies are imperative for supply chain greening.

Originality/value

The paper is among the first attempts in analysing the relationships between a company's sustainable strategy and its logistics performance through greening the transportation activities.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 62 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 30 April 2013

Hyunggeun Kim and Jungseok Choi

This article represents an empirical examination of green logistics awareness of employees at third-party enterprises in China. The data used for this study was collected using a…

Abstract

This article represents an empirical examination of green logistics awareness of employees at third-party enterprises in China. The data used for this study was collected using a survey related to green logistics awareness. Participants were employees of Chinese enterprises, including five logistics companies. Although there was a general low level of green logistics awareness, results showed a diverse awareness of the topic contingent upon green logistics knowledge. More specifically, with the exception of those who demonstrated a high degree of green logistics knowledge, green logistics awareness level and other dimensions were low. In addition, educational background demonstrated an influence on green logistics awareness. The findings from this study have real-world implications for the development of state logistics environmental protection policy.

Details

Journal of International Logistics and Trade, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1738-2122

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 June 2023

Tiffany Cheng Han Leung, Jieqi Guan and Yui-Yip Lau

This study aims to examine management attitude and awareness towards green logistics, explores the external conditions that drive and restrict its positive behaviour, investigates…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine management attitude and awareness towards green logistics, explores the external conditions that drive and restrict its positive behaviour, investigates the level of its adoption amongst logistics service providers (LSPs) and determines the major barriers affecting its application in the industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This research investigates the key decision-making process on green logistics attitude and behaviour through in-depth interviews and thematic analysis.

Findings

This study explores both institutional and individual-level attitudes/awareness. Then, the driving and restraining forces and the challenges that influence the industry’s adoption of green initiatives are determined. Finally, this study constructs a framework following a behavioural driving route with interactions among green “attitude”, sustainable “subjective norms”, “behavioural control” and “external context” factors.

Practical implications

Findings can enlighten the practitioners who are struggling to adopt the green or low-carbon practice and provide valuable insights and constructive advice to LSPs and their stakeholders.

Social implications

Findings can draw the government and policy-makers’ attention to provide necessary financial or non-financial support for the practitioners to improve their green operations.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first attempts to adopt the hybrid theoretical lens on the green behaviour of the logistics industry. New insights are added to existing environmental management literature with a wider understanding and deeper investigation of the decision-making on green logistics in the industry. The theoretical framework in this study can offer future applications to a relevant large-scale study.

Details

Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, vol. 14 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8021

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 September 2022

Selçuk Korucuk, Ahmet Aytekin, Fatih Ecer, Dragan Stevan S. Pamucar and Çağlar Karamaşa

Nowadays, companies have required new alternatives and strategies to handle environmental sustainability difficulties, primarily as ecological and social awareness has grown. In…

Abstract

Purpose

Nowadays, companies have required new alternatives and strategies to handle environmental sustainability difficulties, primarily as ecological and social awareness has grown. In this context, the aim is to determine the green transportation indicators in companies with corporate identity and logistics activities at the international level in Giresun, Ordu, Gümüshane, Artvin, Rize, and Trabzon in the Eastern Black Sea Region in Turkey. At the same time, the study contributes to providing an effective and applicable solution to decision-making problems involving the assessment of green transportation indicators and smart network strategies in the logistics sector, which is a critical sector for countries. The purpose of this paper is to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aims to propose a model for the selection of smart network strategy and to determine the criteria weights used in green transportation indicators, and establish an ideal smart network strategy. In achieving the outlined goals of the study, the authors believe that the model proposed in the study will draw the focus to green logistics which will aid the environmental, economic and social efforts of businesses and governments through the provision of efficient use of scarce resources, which will, in turn, ensure that we leave a sustainable environment for future generations and businesses enjoy a competitive advantage. At the same time, different smart network strategies and green transportation indicators in companies show the success rate of social, economic and environmental indicators in green logistics practices. In addition to providing innovative, reliable and sustainable transportation systems, smart network strategies are critical for businesses to create cost advantages. Through the green transportation indicators and smart network strategies selection model outlined in this study, it is clear that the contribution will not only be limited to businesses, as the society and governments will also benefit from the important indicators on sustainability, as well as the protection of the environment and nature.

Findings

According to the findings, “economic indicators” is the essential green transportation indicator in logistics companies with a corporate identity and worldwide transportation operations. Besides, the “mixed access model strategy” is the most appropriate smart network strategy in logistics firms with corporate identity and worldwide transportation activities. Currently, it is possible to assume that logistics organizations prefer to profit from all smart network strategies in terms of cost optimization and competitiveness rather than from just one. The study, on the other hand, which is a road map that will help sustainability practices in the logistics sector due to green transportation, also examines the similarities and differences of green transportation practices in companies in the relevant sector and to what extent they can be reflected. As a result, the study provides a practical road map for selecting green transport indicators and a smart network strategy process for the logistics industry.

Originality/value

This study examined logistics companies with a corporate identity and international transportation activities in provinces in the Eastern Black Sea Region such as Ordu, Giresun, Trabzon, Rize, Artvin and Gümüshane. Novel picture fuzzy level based weight assessment (PF-LBWA) and picture fuzzy combined compromise solution (PF-CoCoSo) methods are developed to solve the decision-making problem.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 61 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 October 2022

Guangsheng Zhang, Xiao Wang, Yanling Wang and Junqian Xu

Although green logistics has become a new focus of cooperation between government and enterprises under environmental constraints, how local governments formulate subsidy policies…

Abstract

Purpose

Although green logistics has become a new focus of cooperation between government and enterprises under environmental constraints, how local governments formulate subsidy policies to effectively guide the green transformation of regional logistics and how to facilitate the reasonable cost-sharing are rather critical. This paper will deeply explore the dynamic process of the tripartite participation (government, platform, and logistics enterprises) in the selection of regional green logistics strategy, and reveal the evolutionary game relationship of the three parties.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore the dynamics involving the government, platform and logistics enterprises for the green logistic transformation, and reveal the evolutionary gaming among the three parties, based on the bounded rationality premise, this study constructs the tripartite asymmetric evolutionary game models, uses the stability theorem of differential equation to explore the evolution and stability strategy of the system in different cases and explicates the paths of influence on the tripartite behaviors via simulations.

Findings

Results of this study indicate that there exist stable equilibrium strategies among the three parties regarding the regional green logistics, and they are affected by different factors. The government's subsidy, subsidy intensity and the platform's cost-sharing proportion can generate positive effects, but the latter two can also impact negatively beyond the effective ranges. The findings provide a theoretical basis for local governments, platforms and logistics enterprises to formulate justifiable subsidy intensity and determine reasonable sharing proportion.

Originality/value

Firstly, considering the significant relevance of local government, it is included in the evolution model, and the tripartite game (among government, platform and enterprises) is explored; Secondly, by comparing the equilibrium results under different game conditions, this paper analyzes the evolution of each party's game strategy to achieve the optimal return under bounded rationality and the important factors determining the strategic selection; Finally, the key factor of platform cost sharing is involved, and to what extent the change of platform cost sharing ratio will influence the systematic stability is explored.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 53 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 March 2013

Karin Isaksson and Maria Huge‐Brodin

Awareness of environmental impacts on society is increasing among companies. In order to turn environmental problems into business opportunities, many companies are beginning to…

3897

Abstract

Purpose

Awareness of environmental impacts on society is increasing among companies. In order to turn environmental problems into business opportunities, many companies are beginning to consider how environmental, or green aspects can be integrated into their service offerings. This opportunity can be of specific interest to logistics service providers, whose core business is an environmental impact in itself. The purpose of this article is to indicate where green‐labelled logistics service providers are positioned today in their development, and to seek the underlying rationale in development of green service offerings.

Design/methodology/approach

This article takes a logistics service provider's perspective and is based on a multiple case study of six companies. The analysis is based on cross‐case analysis, and empirical, as well as theoretical, pattern matching.

Findings

The attitude towards a green approach differs among the case companies: while some are working towards a green integration throughout the entire business, others offer green alternatives to the original service offering. The results point to possible explanations for these differences, and include differences in range of service offerings, size, and to different management principles for green aspects.

Practical implications

The article can inspire logistics service providers in their continuing work to integrate green initiatives into the company. By introducing alternative green approaches in the development of service offerings, logistics service providers can match their own business and context with alternative rationales.

Originality/value

While most of the green logistics research focuses on the logistics system's characteristics, this article offers initial insights into how the integration of green aspects into logistics services can impact logistics service providers.

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