Center for Social Innovation

Abstract: The article examines environmental issues related to supply chains and supply chain management. Attempts to introduce sustainable practices into supply chains often meet with unexpected financial or environmental costs. This is attributed to the haphazard manner in which companies respond to pressure from customers, stockholders, governments and environmental organizations. Research is cited indicating that a holistic approach to the problem is more effective. Means relating to that approach such as altering manufacturing processes and developing new relationships with partners are discussed.