A review on green logistics paradox

Abstract

Logistics do not stop only at cargo movement around the globe or the type of cargo carried - foodstuff, military, electronic, apparel product, construction material, pharmaceutical product, etc. Due to its nature and intensity of activities, logistics have immense impact on the environment. It follows that the environmental impact derived from logistics activities can be minimized if all logistics service provider (LSP) and manufacturers apply green initiative measures to control and mitigate damages towards the environment. Unfortunately, in real life, logistics activities still contribute to pollution. In fact, most companies survive their business by giving little consideration to the health of the environment. The fact is the level of Green Logistics adoption and awareness are still low. The environment takes toll while logistics service providers and manufacturing compete in profit making strategies. It is time for these companies to pause and plan for a more sustainable business strategy that contributes to the benefit of the society and the environment. Green logistics initiative offers options to the LSP to choose in order to adopt better logistics operation while still safeguarding the environment. By using a Deductive approach, theories of green logistics are compiled and then trimmed to a smaller scope by focusing on the most recent development of green logistics theories. The preliminary findings of this study indicated that the body of knowledge in green logistics paradigm is still scarce which outlines the importance of understanding the adoption process of green logistics.