Implementing a Green Supply Chain

Companies are focusing a lot of energy and resources in making modification to their supply chain to make it more environmentally sound, or green. To realize these aims companies are having to education their supply chain professionals. In twenty years time the green collar worker may be commonplace and this article examines the content of green supply chain courses that are available now.

British retailer, Marks and Spencer (M&S), launched Plan A in January 2007, which highlights one hundred commitments to achieve in five years. Due to the success of the program, M&S has now extended Plan A to 180 commitments to be achieved by 2015. M&S have now stated identified a new goal of becoming the world's most sustainable major retailer. This article examines the elements of Plan A.

In 2000, the EPA began working towards making heavy-duty trucks run cleaner by introducing fuels that had lower sulfur content and fewer emissions. The Highway Diesel Rule stated that the pollution from heavy-duty highway vehicles should be reduced by more than 90 percent by the time the 2007 model year began. This article looks at the details and benefits of Clean Diesel Fuel Alliance.

Reverse Logistics can be defined as all activity associated with a product after the point of sale. The aims of reverse logistics include optimization of aftermarket activity, such as customer service, quality inspection and warehouseing, which can produce a new revenue stream, improve customer satisfaction and help the environment. This article examines the elements of reverse logistics.

As traditional industries struggle with the public’s increasing environmental consciousness, there is a number of new green industries that are receiving more attention. In this article I have highlighted a number of new green industries that we will all hear more of in the coming years.

Packaging materials are used every day in almost every company that manufactures and sells products. Packaging is used to move raw material to a manufacturer, bulk finished material to a distributor and then the final product to the consumer. As the public's perception about the environment changes, companies must look at greener packaging alternatives in their supply chain to satisfy consumers.

The public have become more aware of environmental issues and consumers are asking companies about their environmental policies. This article examines how some companies have found that starting to create a green supply chain can add to the bottom line.

Businesses are examining every area of their supply chain to reduce costs. Reducing waste has become a key component of any cost reduction program that is implemented. There are a number of processes that can be used in order to reduce waste in a company’s supply chain. This article shows some of the processes that can be adopted to reduce waste in the supply chain.

Warehouses are busy places. Goods are constantly on the move; inbound and outbound deliveries have to be dealt with as well as the movements of items from location to location. Many companies are looking to warehouse operations are an area where they can make environmentally sound decisions. Companies are concentrating on three areas to help them in this endeavor; reduce, reuse and recycle. This article will show you where you can help your company make your warehouse green.

The trend towards developing a green supply chain is becoming popular but most companies are wondering how this can be achieved and where to start. Businesses have been concentrating on improving supply chain visibility, refining efficiency and minimizing cost. Firms who have implemented green supply chains can offer a number of best practices that will help others.

The average business has a variety of computers and associated peripherals that are outdated and unwanted. These items get stored in the back of the warehouse or sit in closets in the office taking up precious space. This article looks at what you need to do to recycle your unwanted computer equipment.

As the focus on the environment becomes ever greater, consumers are looking to companies to explain how they are helping the environment. This article explains how creating a green supply chain can actually be a competitive advantage.

Cisco is developing a strategy to reduce the environmental impact of its products. It has pledged to reduce waste, eliminate potentially hazardous substances whilst reducing costs. In this article you'll read about the methods Cisco is implementing to develop responsible supply chain practices.

As companies become more proactive in developing a green supply chain, this article examines how purchasing departments can help. The author examines ten steps that can be adopted to help create a green supply chain and benefit from the opportunities it brings.

In the UK, the government's Environment Agency is tasked to protect and improve the environment. They are asking companies to check the suppliers in their supply chain to ensure that they are doing all they can to minimize their environmental impact. This article outlines some of the questions they want companies to ask their suppliers.

As consumers become aware of environmental issues, businesses are finding that having a greener supply chain can not only benefit their bottom line, but can be used in the marketing of their products to the public. Greenpeace has attempted to bring these exaggerated claims to the public’s notice and the media has named this "greenwash". This...

A company that needs to package their products have choices in which material they use for packaging. Traditionally companies could use polystyrene materials, but companies are becoming aware of the environmental impact of polystyrene, and need to find suitable green alternatives. The article looks at the properties of corn starch packaging...