Role of Sustainable Procurement in Sustainable Manufacturing Operations

Abstract

Sustainable Procurement is an emerging concept in India in the recent times. It is imperative for the production firms to look the procurement activity as one of the strategic enabler for sustaining the business in the competitive global environment. Moreover, sustainability in India has been understood in multiple meanings and it is essential to bring the awareness on sustainable procurement and its impact on manufacturing. This chapter elucidates the key drivers of sustainable procurement along with a complete discussion on the importance of those practices in the Indian context. It also lists some of the key trends in the current business environment. The study endorses that manufacturing industry dominated by SMEs are highly reluctant to adopt sustainability as they lack awareness and perceive them as a cost escalation activity. It also reveals challenges faced by the firms and gives a conclusion on the future directions for sustainable procurement research in Indian context.