Proceedings of ICLT 2013
An empirical investigation on the implementation of green practices in the Logistics service industry
Pietro Evangelista; Jukka Hallikas; Anni-Kaisa Kähkönen
IRAT-CNR and Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Italy; Lappeenranta University of Technology, School of Business, Lappeenranta, Finland; IRAT-CNR and Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
International Conference on Logistics & Transport 2013, Kyoto, Japan, pp. 50-57
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Abstract
Purpose: Due to the increasing demand for advanced logistics services, third-party logistics service providers (3PLs) are increasingly requested to provide more ‗green‘ services. This development provides 3PLs business opportunities but also challenges on how to translate green initiatives into practise. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the implementation of green initiatives and influencing factors. Research approach: The research methodology used in this paper is based on two-phases approach. Firstly, a systematic literature review on sustainability in 3PLs has been carried. Subsequently, a case study investigation on a 34 Italian 3PLs allows to address research objectives. Findings and Originality: The research results indicate a different degree of involvement of 3PLs in green initiatives in relation to the different breadth of service offered. The adoption of ―point‖ initiatives focused on one or few logistics functionalities is prevalent. Main drivers and inhibitors affecting the adoption of green initiatives were identified. Research impact: This paper provides a deeper knowledge on how 3PLs respond to changing market conditions driven by sustainability pressures. It provides a broad base for further research on 3PLs strategy development to facing future green requirements both from customers and government. Practical impact: The paper describes the level of implementation of 3PLs‘ green initiatives. Furthermore, the study provides a deeper understanding on how green logistics services can be approached and what drives and inhibits that process.
Keywords
logistics service providers; green initiatives; drives and inhibitors; Italian logistics market; case study analysis Paper type: Research paper
Citation
Pietro Evangelista; Jukka Hallikas; Anni-Kaisa Kähkönen (2013). An empirical investigation on the implementation of green practices in the Logistics service industry. Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics & Transport (ICLT 2013), Kyoto, Japan, pp. 50-57.