Environmental sustainability in international sourcing – towards an integrated framework

Purpose of this paper The purpose of this paper is to achieve an international sourcing framework considering environmental sustainability. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a research synthesis from existing literature and arriving at a conceptual framework considering areas of international sourcing, environmental logistics and environmental purchasing. Findings The conceptual framework integrates all the identified means to address environmental sustainability in a generic international framework across five stages (1) recognition of need (2) product identification (3) supplier evaluation (4) Negotiation & supply (5) performance measurement and monitoring. Research limitations/implications (if applicable) This paper is a conceptual paper and lacks empirical testing which needs to performed in future research through exploratory studies. Practical implications (if applicable) This framework will aid practitioners in taking environmental conscious decisions when making international sourcing decisions. What is original/value of paper This paper addresses the little developed area of environmental sustainability in international sourcing