Title: Green supply chain management: mapping the territory

Authors: Ana Beatriz Lopes de Sousa Jabbour; Ariana Fernandes Arantes; Charbel José Chiappetta Jabbour

Addresses: UNESP – Univ Estadual Paulista, Sao Paulo State University, Av. Eng. Luiz Edmundo C. Coube 14-01, Bauru, SP, Brazil ' UNESP – Univ Estadual Paulista, Sao Paulo State University, Av. Eng. Luiz Edmundo C. Coube 14-01, Bauru, SP, Brazil ' UNESP – Univ Estadual Paulista, Sao Paulo State University, Av. Eng. Luiz Edmundo C. Coube 14-01, Bauru, SP, Brazil

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to identify the main definitions, related practices and to point out future directions in green supply chain management (GSCM). After a literature review and systematisation of the published articles in this field, it was possible to identify: a) the main research objectives of analysed papers; b) the research methods adopted; c) the predominantly analysed industrial sectors; d) the GSCM practices considered by the researchers. Results are presented in each of these analytical perspectives. The main findings are: 1) there are various classifications, nomenclatures and types of GSCM practices, but the most commonly used by studies in GSCM are cleaner production, product design, reverse logistic and green purchasing; 2) from the highlighted definitions, the tonic is to adapt operating activities and incorporate the supply chain management philosophy (integration/collaboration) to environmental concerns (impact reduction) in relations between links in the chain. These results can be useful for those interested in environmental management as well as supply chain management, considering the growing interest in GSCM. We also propose a research agenda on this subject. This is one of the most recent literature review and systematisation on green supply chain management.

Keywords: green SCM; supply chain management; GSCM definition; GSCM practices; literature review; environmental management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2013.052975

International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 2013 Vol.12 No.2, pp.145 - 167

Received: 07 Sep 2011
Accepted: 06 Sep 2012
Published online: 28 Jan 2014 *

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