Investigation of environmental logistics strategies

The following report investigates the environmental strategies within the logistics field. It provides an overview of the proposed green logistics strategies and insights regarding currently adopted environmental logistics strategies in the UK.
In order to achieve this, a broad literature review was carried, using wide variety of primary and secondary sources. Further an online survey questionnaire was sent to a large sample of companies within the UK, including manufacturing firms and Third Party Logistics Providers of all sizes. In order to reinforce results from primary research, secondary data, including three previously conducted surveys will be consulted.
Report provides an overview of a wide range of proposed environmental strategies. The research revealed that the environmental performance of the logistics sector is developing; however, it is still in its early stages as there are still great potentials to be explored. It was further revealed that the environmental performance of large companies is superior to the smaller companies. While this was expected, it should be noted that on average manufacturing and 3PL companies of all sizes considered environmental issues as currently important and increasingly important in the future. No differences were revealed between manufacturing companies and 3PL providers, with an exception of the institutionalization of environmental measures. The level of adoption of environmental policies and environmental management systems (EMS) among the 3PL companies were extremely low.
The main issues associated with environment were considered energy and materials conservation and waste disposal. Accordingly, strategies most adopted include reduction of energy consumption and material recycling. Secondary research revealed that strategies involving suppliers are also popular.
Results clearly indicated that the compliance with the legislation is the primary reason for implementing green logistics strategies. For small companies more often the reason was demand of the customers. Main problems associated with implementation of green logistics strategies were lack of information and complexity associated with environmental issues.