Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Abstract

Green supply chain management (GSCM) is an advanced management approach that comprehensively considers the environmental impact, resource utilization efficiency, and enterprise income throughout the entire supply chain process. Compared to traditional supply chain management, GSCM exhibits higher complexity in terms of management and network characteristics. It emphasizes sustainable development for both society and enterprises, incorporating ecological and environmental protection design principles from raw material sourcing to waste material recycling, thereby achieving optimized environmental outcomes through enhanced cooperation within and between organizations. In essence, green supply chain management practices encompass green design, green procurement, green manufacturing, green packaging, green materials usage, and green recycling initiatives. The critical distinction between a green supply chain and a traditional one lies in the former's consideration not only of optimizing and coordinating the supply chain under conventional economic cost constraints but also recognizing the negative impacts of economic activities on the environment as significant factors warranting investigation. By embedding environmental awareness into supply chain management processes, it seeks to achieve a balanced approach that harmonizes the economy with environmental concerns. The proposition of adopting a green supply chain aligns with the developmental trajectory of economic globalization and free trade while meeting demands for environmentally friendly products and promoting greener trade.