THE ROLE OF LOGISTICS SERVICE PROVIDERS IN ENHANCING CORPORATE ENVIRONOMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY IN SUPPLY CHAINS

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the role of logistics service providers (LSPs) in environmental performance improvement of transport processes in chemical supply chains. Methodology: Lessons learnt are derived from the Interreg Central Europe Project ChemMultimodal, in which 59 companies in Central Europe (including 5 in Poland) tested transport modal shifts. The author presented 5 case studies of transport practices developed by chemical companies operating in Poland. Each case study is based on in-depth and detailed examination of a particular transport process using the ChemMultimodal toolbox. Findings: The role of LSPs as architects of transport processes as well as integrators of transport modes and connections is crucial for rising environmental effects in chemical supply chains. As a result of collaborative outsourcing, the potential of CO2 emissions reduction by app. 60% is really significant in transport management of chemical products. Originality/value: An in-depth analysis based on case studies of chemical companies sheds light on the value delivered by integrating LSPs into corporate environmental responsibility in supply chains. Conclusions drawn for the significance of environmental impacts of multimodal transport in chemical supply chains can be a good reference point for logistics managers in diverse industries. Keywords: corporate environmental responsibility, outsourcing, transport, CO2 emission, chemical industry Paper type: Research paper