Part 2 book "Global logistics" includes content: Delivering sustainability through supply chain management; performance measurement and management in the supply chain; retail logistics; internet traders can increase profitability by reshaping their supply chains; learning from humanitarian supply chains, slobal sourcing and supply, international road and rail freight transport activity. | 245 15 Delivering sustainability through supply chain management Kirstie McIntyre Hewlett-Packard Supply chains span industry groups cross industry boundaries have a wide geographical spread and are an excellent vehicle for improving the environmental social and economic performance of companies and industry sectors over the long term. Supply chain management functions are analysed for their potential impacts on the performance of a company. Practical examples from many industry sectors show the steps that can be taken to improve sustainability for the environment for society and for the business. Specifically the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment WEEE Directive will have a significant and long-reaching effect on the supply chain. From purchasing decisions to reverse logistics the whole supply chain will be reshaped by this new environmental law. Background Sustainability has traditionally been a concept that is difficult to sell to senior management because it describes a state in the future that has never been experienced rather than a specific process or methodology of 246â â Global logistics how to get there. Theoretically the concept makes sense but translating it into actionable steps has proved a significant stumbling block for organizations Preston 2001 . The concept of sustainability or sustainable development has been around for a while but is a very recent customer requirement and one that many companies are trying to grapple with. Sustainability is a difficult concept to grasp in an industrial context as shown by the definition DETR 2000 Sustainable development is zz social progress which recognizes the needs of everyone zz effective protection of the environment zz prudent use of natural resources and zz maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment. When a company considers what the above elements mean it seems impossible to continue to do business and be sustainable. But sustainability is not just about .
