Evolution of SCM to GSCM
Over the past few decades SCM has proven to have potential for reduction in cost while
adding value in the supply chain via green initiatives. GSCM developed as a result of
escalating prominence of environmental concerns, evolving mainly from the desire
of industries to incorporate extended production responsibility within their operations
(Wang and Gupta, 2011). Opportunities arose for reviewing processes, materials, and
operational concepts from a different perspective.
GSCM practices, inadvertently, have been implemented in several arenas since the
1980s (refer to Figure 1). Case in point, the development of environmentally friendly
goods in 1988 saw the initiation of GSCM practices. In the drive toward sustainability
three areas were given focus:
(1) dematerialization;
(2) detoxification; and
(3) Decarbonization.
which lead to the derivation of the 4R’s, i.e. reduce, reuse, recycle and redesign.
Also in the 1980s, the international organization for standardization developed the
ISO 14020 and ISO 14024 which prescript environmental labels and declarations
that certifiers and eco-labellers utilize. Standards were established geared toward the