Supply Chain Sustainability—Drivers, Inhibitors, Solutions

Abstract

This chapter describes the process of change of attitude towards sustainability and its consequences for manufacturing and logistics industries. It was recognized that sustainable production strategies are dependent upon policies, regulations and green demand. This chapter summarizes environmental initiatives used by manufacturers and logistics service providers. The target was the identification of initiatives realized in this field. Part of the chapter contains terms connected with sustainability, supply chains and others. The literature review was intended to show the theoretical background, to define several terms, and describe details of potential effects of solutions and practices. There is also description of policy and regulation initiatives, description of green production and green supply chain, the environmental impacts of different industries and transport, and also identification of main sources of pollution. There are also many examples showing impacts of regulations on industry. Environmental and sustainable operations realized in supply chains demonstrate a high level of complexity. Final part of the chapter presents a set of practices connected with environmental decision making. They match the broad range of processes and operations realized in manufacturing and logistics industries.