Managing the supply chain

Every organization is a member of some supply chain or network. The way that organisations manage environmental policies and practices throughout their supply chains is under-researched and for all but the most proactive businesses, green supply-chain management remains in its infancy. This is not surprising. Control of the supply chain is a difficult matter with many factors to weigh up. However, there is evidence of significance benefits such as improved corporate image; reduced liability; improved business continuity and even reduced direct operational costs. Within the environmental management arena, many topical areas are influenced by or influence the supply chain: Life-cycle analysis; product stewardship and takeback; industrial ecology; and design for environment, all intertwine with the way organisations manage their supply chains.