ISO 14001 as a tool for environmental supply chain engagement- what is in the way?

This paper reports on research on the engagement of ISO 14001 certified companies in environmental supply chain management, the drivers and barriers that influence their involvement, and how these forces correspond to the internal environmental management activities. In parallel, the issues of internal capabilities of companies, crucial for companies to respond to such driving forces, are highlighted. The research is based on qualitative in-depth interviews with experienced environmental managers, as well as upon outputs from focus group discussions with managers, environmental experts and industrial association members. The study reveales that companies are primarily induced to engage in environmental supply chain management by external drivers, such as media attention and general public interest. Engagement in the environmental supply chain management activities are not perceived as a means to increase a company‟s competitive advantage, but as a method to minimize risk of reputation loss. Environmental supply chain management is explored from the viewpoint of industry representatives themselves, and is contrasted with the opinions of the industry association representatives. In addition it focuses upon internal capabilities of customer companies and the potential use for supply chain activities