Green Logistics and Corporate Initiatives Research Paper

Green Logistics and Corporate Initiatives - Research Paper Example The concept and awareness about the green logistics have evolved over time. Earlier it was a matter of public policy agendas which was forcefully implemented by environmental pressure groups that focused on the mitigation of damages caused by the transportation system. Later on it gained more importance as the businesses realized their responsibilities towards the environment and wider society perspective stressing upon the need of sustainable development for the future. Additionally the scope of green logistics has expanded over time, it not only includes the physical distribution of finished goods but it also deals with the entire transportation system including integrated logistics which includes storing, warehousing and handling systems etc. and the supply chain management which includes interaction with upstream suppliers and downstream customers. (Ann, Button, Hensher.340) The modern researches unlike the traditional ones take into account the environmental effects of all the a ctivities of the supply chain. The traditional system while only recognized the forward distribution and logistic system, a ‘reverse’ logistic system has also been introduced over time which led to a new dimension of sustainable and green logistics. This involves movement of waste, used materials including toxic and hazardous goods for recycling and disposing purposes. This whole concept has created new markets for recyclable products and its movement. (McKinnon, Alan C.243) Reverse logistics is a modern concept in logistics which is now regarded as part of green logistics. This involves processing, planning, and utilization of resources from the point of consumption to the point of origin, unlike the traditional logistics concepts which focus on movement from point to origin to consumption only. These will usually involve activities like transportation and collection, storage, reprocessing, recycling, reusing or disposal etc. This topic has been a center of attention f or many types of research and work has been done to determine the drivers and constraints in reverse logistics and how techniques like speculation and postponement can be used to develop a better reverse green logistics. As the volume of waste is growing the government regulations for its recycling, reusing or disposing of are tightening too. (Farahani et al.206)