Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chain Management - 2nd Edition

 

The objective of this book is to introduce principles and practices that facilitate responsible SCM and sustainable logistics operations in a holistic manner and consider factors of logistics and SCM affecting the natural environment beyond the usual factors of road miles, fuel use and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions that have been well discussed in freight transportation; see for example Green Logistics: Improving the environmental sustainability of logistics by McKinnon et al (2015), which is a good complement to this book. As an example of wider factors, globalization of business has meant that many products are not manufactured in national markets anymore; they are outsourced and manufactured in lesser-developed countries, particularly in Asia, and then shipped all around the world. How then does a national firm ensure sustainability in its global supply chain? Further, most seasonal fresh food such as fruit and vegetables is now available all year round due to sourcing in foreign markets or the use of sophisticated chilled storage and transport to prevent premature spoiling or ageing. So should consumer markets return to more seasonal goods to reduce the effects on the environment of continuous product availability?

The development of these types of activities and factors has increased the effects that logistics and SCM have on the natural environment. Accordingly, logistics and supply chain strategies and operations are discussed in this book in the context of raising awareness of, and shifting an emphasis to, responsible, ethical and sustainable practices. It is important for firms, consumers and societies to do so and be proactive in considering these issues. Otherwise, legislation may emerge to limit the impact of logistics and SCM on the environment, which may be more draconian than these three stakeholders would desire.