Motivations and barriers to the adoption of green supply chain practices among 3PLs

Abstract

Over the last decade, logistics companies have experienced significant pressures towards the adoption of green practices. Meanwhile, the research community has started to show an increasing interest in the green supply chain management (GSCM) area. However, so far only a limited number of studies have focussed specifically on logistics activities and third party logistics providers (3PLs), and their motivations and barriers to the adoption of green supply chain practices (GSCP). This paper seeks to fill this gap by illustrating the results of a multiple case study research with data collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews with senior representatives from 15 3PLs. The study revealed that the adoption of GSCP does not seem to be driven by competitive advantage solely based on sustainability; however, companies have started perceiving the need to become somehow ‘green’. As for the barriers, high investments and difficulties in identifying and measuring costs/benefits appeared among the most relevant ones.