A theoretical approach for green supply chain

Abstract

This paper aims to discuss theoretically the Green Supply Chain (GSC) concept, its implementation and prospective benefits by reviewing the current and past literature on the subject. The main issues found in this research are about: basic steps to create the GSC, methods to manage it and the result of its implementation. GSC is usually started by an end producer, which has an environmental management system, and desires to pass good environmental practices to its suppliers. The implementation of GSC can be also done by market requirements. The results include cost reduction, resource conservation, public image improvement, and market competitiveness among others benefits that are describe in this work. Problems for greening the supply chain are the reduction of flexibility of suppliers and the culture of organizations. This paper can help companies meet global market requirements and public administrators to understand the environmental performance through industrial clusters