Purpose
– The purpose of this study is to examine the current state of sustainability efforts within the field of supply chain management, more specifically supply chain logistics operations, and to identify opportunities and provide recommendations for firms to follow sustainable operations. This study also aims to stimulate further research within the area of sustainable logistics operations.
Design/methodology/approach
– The reasons why it is important to implement sustainability into supply chain operations is discussed. Based on a review of the extant literature, various areas within the logistics function where sustainability can be implemented are then presented. Some short‐term and long‐term recommendations for the successful implementation of sustainability in the logistics function of supply chains are provided.
Findings
– There has been very little work done to understand the role and importance of logistics in an organization's quest towards sustainability. For firms to implement a sustainability strategy in their supply chain operations, the logistics function needs to play a prominent role because of the magnitude of costs involved and the opportunity to identify and eliminate inefficiencies and reduce the carbon footprint.