Is it Feasible to Implement Green Logistics in Emerging Markets?

Abstract

Smog in industrial zones, the depletion of the ozone layer, and global warming demonstrate exemplarily the harmful impact of business activities on environmental systems and the societies that act within them. Therefore, customers and many governments around the world are developing a more conscious and respectful attitude toward the environment, turning environmental concerns into a central element of many companies’ competitive strategies. As a result of these developments, the implementation of green logistics systems is gaining increasing importance worldwide. Green logistics practices, once considered proactive measures (Wu & Dunn 1995), are now integral part of many supply chains, and in many markets, their presence has become a requirement for doing business. Despite this, little is known about the current state of global practices in green logistics and obstacles of implementing them in an emerging market context. Led by the question “Is it feasible to implement green logistics in emerging markets?”, the main objectives of this article are to provide a summary of green logistics practices within a structured framework and to give an overview about the obstacles of implementing green logistics systems in emerging markets.