A Boundaries and Flows Perspective of Green Supply Chain Management

Abstract: Recent years have seen a growth in research related to the environmental and social concerns associated with industrial supply chains. In this paper we provide a boundaries and flows framework to further understand the direction and relationship of research in this emergent and interdisciplinary field. Greening supply chains has become a necessity as environmental concerns have remained at the forefront of the debate of global and local social interests. We describe the relationship between the green supply chain function and other industrial environ-mental philosophies and practices. Using a generic systems perspective, we identify nine non-exclusive, interrelated boundaries and five flows of resources related to green supply chains. Relatively current published research literature focusing on various aspects of these boundaries and flows is used to describe accompanying issues. Some general arenas for investigation are also introduced