The logistics industry is witnessing buoyant growth over the recent years with rise in transportation services, e-commerce, expansion of markets and introduction of new products in the market. With the industry witnessing a tremendous growth, demand for logistics services continues to grow.
Industry experts predict that the logistics sector will continue to witness a steady growth in the near future. It is believed that the growth will be followed by environmental problems, as the logistics industry mainly emanates carbon dioxide emissions. With global warming on the rise, it becomes increasingly important to adopt measures that will minimize its effects on ecosystems.
As disputes regarding reduction of global warming to protect environment gathers momentum, the logistics players are closely monitored for any such acts. Logistics firms are being thoroughly scrutinized for any environmental issues and their suppliers, who cause such problems, are largely being held responsible.
In a bid to reduce environmental pollution and minimize costs, several logistics firms are turning towards Green Logistics. Green logistics basically means adopting measures that will improve efficiency and reduce environmental pollution. Harmonizing activities within a supply chain in such a manner that recipient needs are fulfilled at the cheapest price is one of the major objectives of green logistics. Major functions of green logistics include:
· Green logistics ensures that environmental and other issues concerning movement of supplies are reduced.
· Green supply chains take measures to revamp sourcing and distribution systems in order to minimize negative impact.
· In order to ensure that unnecessary freight movement, incompetence and discarding away useful packing material is totally eliminated; green supply chains effectively manage reverse logistics.
Transportation activities and logistics greatly influence the environment in which we live. Surplus carbon dioxide emissions are posing a major threat to the eco-systems. In order to minimize carbon emissions, green logistics are taking measures like
· Setting targets to reduce waste packaging.
· Calculating miles of a vehicle when it was running and empty.
· How much fuel was used while transporting.
The best way to keep the environment pollution free is to ensure that products are shipped together instead of shipping them in smaller batches. When different fuel vehicles are used for manufacturing and shipping, it is known as green logistics.
Green logistics also includes measures like minimizing overall packaging and effectively utilizing raw materials to the fullest. Steps must be taken to construct environmental friendly manufacturing and storage units under green logistics program. Logistics players must take measures to promote recycling programs for an eco-friendly experience.
Green logistics is gaining immense importance in today’s world where people are recognizing the need to live in a pollution free environment. Green logistics is being widely used in logistics and distribution functions.
In order to achieve a positive impact on the environment, logistics players must ensure that functions within the supply chain, which include warehousing & distribution, manufacturing, packaging and reverse logistics must be combined and optimized. Logistics firms are combining packaging and distribution functions in order to minimize freight rates and curb carbon emissions. This has reduced pollution to a great extent and made the environment cleaner.