Sustainable supply chain practices: research propositions for the future

Increasing awareness of the ecological impacts of industrial growth, resource scarcity as well as changing consumption patterns, has led to the growth of sustainability issues in supply chain practices. The purpose of this paper is to highlight a few areas of possible importance in planning, implementing and managing sustainable supply chain practices. We discuss four areas where financial, social and ecological benefits can be gained. This will be by considering themes of responsible purchasing, product stewardship, internal organisational ethics and sustainable operations.