Strategies for Managing a Green Supply Chain

Authors

  • V Basil Hans research professor at Mangalore's Srinivas University.
  • Dr. Manjula Mallya M. GFG College for Women, Mangalore, India

Keywords:

Eco-friendly practices, lifecycle integration, biodegradable packaging, waste reduction, circular economy, reclaim, reuse, recycle, and degrade.

Abstract

Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) adds environmental factors to regular supply
chain tasks such as product design, procurement, production, shipping, distribution, and end-
of-life management. The fundamental goal of GSCM is to reduce harm to the environment
while keeping or enhancing economic performance and competitive edge. This method
stresses things like buying things that are good for the environment, using resources wisely,
cutting down on waste, recycling, reverse logistics, and using clean technologies. By using
GSCM, businesses may lower their carbon emissions, save energy and resources, and follow
environmental rules. They can also meet the growing demand from customers for eco-
friendly products. GSCM also encourages suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and
customers to work together to reach common sustainability goals. Even if problems like high
initial costs, a lack of experience, and a reluctance to change may make it harder to adopt, the
long-term benefits—such as saving money, improving the brand image, lowering risk, and
making operations more efficient—are worth it. Green supply chain management (GSCM) is
the process of making traditional supply chains more environmentally friendly by using the
4R1D principle (reduce, reuse, recycle, reclaim, and degradable). This includes everything
from manufacture to operations to end-of-life management. Supply chain sustainability tries
to lessen the effects of things like pollution, deforestation, ozone depletion, and global
warming on the environment. There are several possible solutions, such as using the right-
sized boxes for smaller shipments instead of larger ones, or using recyclable paper pads
instead of plastic packing. In general, green supply chain management is very important for
fostering sustainable development since it balances economic progress with social well-being
and environmental responsibility. This is what this article is all about.

Published

2026-04-06