The impact of green supply chain practices on company performance: the case of 3PLs
Purpose: The pressure on logistics companies to embrace green processes has increased significantly in the last few years. 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 seeks to investigate the GSCP adopted by Third Party Logistics (3PLs) service providers (i.e. specific practices implemented and degree of adoption of each practice) and explores how the implementation of different GSCP impact on 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: If findings reveal an overall increasing interest towards environmental issues, the current level of adoption of GSCP - as well as their impact on company performance - is still limited amongst the 3PLs investigated. 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 green practices already in place to achieve a set target or identify the most suitable green practices to implement. 2 Originality/value: This study contributes towards a better understanding of the potential impact of GSCP on company performance. It also provides insights into the GSCP currently in place amongst 3PLs operating in Italy.
Year of publication: |
2011
|
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Authors: | Cagno, E ; Guido, MJL ; Perotti, S ; Zorzini, Marta |
Publisher: |
The Department of Management Science |
Saved in:
Saved in favorites
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