E‐logistics and the natural environment

Abstract

Organizations realize that a strong supporting logistics or electronic logistics (e‐logistics) function is an important organizational offering from both the commercial and the consumer perspective. The implications of e‐logistics models and practices cover the forward and reverse logistics functions of organizations. They also have a direct and profound impact from an environmental perspective. Focuses on a discussion of forward and reverse e‐logistics and their relationship to the natural environment. The issues analyzed include those of traditional green logistics and supply chain management functions such as: inventory management, transportation, warehousing, delivery management, supplier management, packaging and order management. Issues relevant to each of these major areas from the electronic commerce and natural environment overlap are discussed. Examples of practices and results are integrated. Environmental issues facing reverse e‐logistics are also described. Brings to the forefront the reverse e‐logistics function, which has been selcom studied even from a non‐environmental perspective. After discussion of the many pertinent issues in these areas, direction of practice and implications for study and research are then presented.