Research on Environmental Logistics Distribution Problems
Li-hong Yao1,a, Xiao-ping Guang1,b, Yang Yang1,c
1
School of Traffic and Transportation, Lanzhou Jiaotong University; Lanzhou, China 730070
a
b
c
( 724883206@qq.com; guangxp@mail.lzjtu.cn; 190594034@qq.com)
Abstract – With globalization of economy, logistics is
closely related to our life, especially environmental logistics
improves traditional logistics. Based on the concept of
sustainable development, environmental logistics achieves
the aim of environmental protection and make the best of
recourses by applying advanced technology and improve
each link of traditional logistics, especially distribution.
Environmental logistics distribution has many different
modes, many factors should be considered to achieve
distribution optimization. Finally the research puts forward
advice for the development of environmental logistics
distribution in the future.
Keywords –environmental logistics, distribution,
distribution optimization, distribution system, suggestions
In order to achieve some benefits, traditional
logistics enterprise operators only pay attention to the
efficiency of goods flow, however, it often ignores the
protection of the environment. Materials bring negative
effects to the traffic and environment in the process of
circulation. Modern logistics is no longer at the expense
of the environment, should advocate of environmental
and sustainable development of the logistics concept.
In the twenty-first Century, environmental logistics
is the direction and trend of logistics development.
Environmental logistics is a new logistics management
mode including forward logistics and reverse logistics.
Recycling and reproduction consumer products realize the
goods recycling and secondary utilization, thus the
reverse logistics emerged. Reverse logistics rational uses
existing resources by the resources integration again, and
achieve the purpose of reducing pollution to the
environment.
Make use of advanced logistics transportation
equipment and management technology, planning and
implementation of transportation, distribution and
logistics activities, environmental logistics realizes
logistics transportation links in harmony with the natural
environment development, really achieving sustainable
development[1-2].
I Content and Characteristics of Environmental
Logistics
A The Content of Environmental Logistics
Environmental logistics refers to inhibiting harm to
the environment during the process of logistics and
realizes the purification of the logistics environment and
makes the best use of logistics resources at the same time.
Figure 1 shows the relationship among economy,
logistics, life and environment[3]. In the figure, Ec
presents economy; Lo presents logistics; Li presents life;
En presents environment.
B The Characteristics of Environmental Logistics
First, symbiotic relationship between environmental
logistics and ecological environment protects the
environment and pulls of sustainable development of
social economy environment.
Second, economization. In our life, excessive raw
materials are unnecessary waste, products are stored in
the warehouse because supply exceeds demand, which
eventually lead the products obsolescence and loses the
Past
Present
Ec
Ec
Lo
Li
Future
Ec
Lo
Lo
En
Li
En
Li
En
Fig. 1.Relationship among logistics, economy, life and environment
Environmental supply logistics
Environmental production logistics
Forward logistics
Reverse logistics
Environmental marketing logistics
Fig. 2. Constitutional diagram of environmental logistics
original product value. In the field of production,
consumption and distribution of all kinds of waste
phenomenon exist everywhere.
Third, circulation. The product recovery is a very
important link to secondary utilization of waste materials.
The renewable resources recycling, such as raw materials
regeneration, recycling of waste materials and so on, is all
that environmental logistics should consider. It is such a
need that forms reverse logistics[4].
Figure 2 shows that environmental logistics
contributes to logistics and reverse logistics.
C Rationale about Environmental Logistics
a. Sustainable Development of Environmental Theory
From the view point of environmental protection, a
very good coordination among the economy, society and
environment is needed to form a logistics system
symbiosis with the environment, reduce or even eliminate
the harm to the environment.
b. Ecological Ethics
From an ethical perspective, people should establish
a friendly relationship, not regard the nature as an object
for exploitation, protect nature, love nature, and pursue
the whole balance between mankind and natural.
Ecological ethics theory’s ultimate goal is to pursue the
maximum benefits of the whole, reducing natural
exploitation and interference between human and nature,
to realize harmonious development.
c. The Theory of Ecological Economics.
Economic interest means the maximization of
benefit. But ecological economists pursue the economic
benefit, social benefit, environmental benefit, ecological
environment and economy to coordinate develop.
The theory of ecological economics mainly studies
the relationship between ecological system and economic
system. How to better realize the ecological system and
the economic system coordinated development is the
main goal of ecological economists[5,6].
II Structural System Research about Environmental
Logistics Distribution
A The Content of Environmental Logistics Distribution
Environmental logistics, in our national standards
“logistics terms” is defined as inhibition to causing
harm to the environment in the process of the logistics,
realizing the purification of the logistics environment and
making the best use of logistics information[7] at the same
time. The distribution is, defined as according to user
requirements, chose, process, pack, classify, match and
send articles to the designated locations of logistics
activities on time as economically and rationally as
possible[8].
Environmental logistics distribution is mainly
composed of environmental transportation, environmental
packaging, environmental handling and transporting,
environmental stock and environmental distribution
processing subsystems.
But in the subsystems there exist serious
environmental problems, it is necessary to formulate
environmental policy and planning, perfect laws and
regulations, and for staff to receive environmental
education.
B Research on the Mode of Environmental Distribution
a. Reverse Logistics
Reverse logistics perfects traditional forward
logistics based on the logistics mode of circular economy.
Circular environmental logistics mode is “environmental
raw materials acquisition, environmental production,
environmental consumption, environmental recycling and
environmental reproduction”. This process includes raw
materials by-product recycling, green packaging recycling,
waste recycling, garbage collection and recycle.
Reverse logistics recycles value and surplus value
commodity to reduce waste. On the other hand, it saves
raw materials also brings certain economic benefit by the
product updating, assembling recycling products into new
products. Development of new technology makes the
products’ secondary utilization available.
b. Joint Distribution
Joint distribution is a partnership between
distribution companies and distribution companies, or
between distribution center and distribution center, to
obtain the intensive operation mode.
Joint distribution can avoid the enterprise waste
transport vehicle and resources, because of a small
portion of the user’s needs, more and more companies
send goods just in time, even the car is not fully loaded.
To take full advantage of enterprise resources is
necessary. Originally many enterprises operate
independently to complete their respective distribution
tasks by a lot of cars, but now they only need a car, or a
small amount of vehicles. Thus, it saves vehicle resources,
on the other hand, decreases traffic pressure and traffic
congestion.
c. Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
Enterprises outsource logistics business to
professional logistics companies but mainly focus on the
development of enterprise’s own products and their
function and characteristics, so that the products on the
market are more competitive.
Third-party logistics is neither logistics supplier nor
logistics buyer but provides professional logistics services,
logistics operation and management. Third-party logistics
refers to external service providers that provide some or
all of the logistics function. It is a form of logistics
professionalization.
The services of third-party logistics includes
logistics system design, storage, information management,
consultation, stock of goods and agents[9-11].
C Factors of Environmental Logistics Distribution
Solution
Distribution is one of the most important parts in the
process of logistics. To achieve environmental logistics
distribution, some factors should be considered, it takes
advantage of enterprises and traffic, even environment.
a. Shortest Shipping Distance
Shipping distance is in proportional to the
distribution cost, namely, the longer the shipping distance,
the higher the transport cost.
b. Fastest Shipping Speed
One of the main factors customer evaluate
distribution service level is punctual whether it is or not.
c. Lowest Shipping Cost
The biggest benefit for enterprise is a common
object for business. The enterprise reduces the cost
equally to increase the effectiveness for the enterprise.
d. Least Shipping Consumption
Distribution involves vehicles, personnel, fuel and
equipment. Rational allocation of vehicles can decrease
vehicles and drivers to save labor. Fuel consumption and
equipment saving, in the process of transporting should
be taken into account.
The essence is a multi-objective optimization
problem, we generally regard multiple target simply as
single objective problem[12].
III Measures and Suggestions about Establishing
Environmental Logistics Distribution System
A Strengthen Environmental Logistics Infrastructure
Construction
Infrastructure is the foundation and safeguard for
logistics normal operation.
Perfect function, reasonable layout logistics
infrastructure is conducive to promoting the construction
of environmental logistics system and contributes to the
healthy and fast development of environmental logistics.
Environmental logistics infrastructure development is
progressive,
systemic
and
resource
integrated
characteristics. Environmental logistics infrastructure
construction is divided into three stages: to construct
demonstration project, to promote environmental logistics
infrastructure system construction, and to improve
environmental logistics infrastructure system.
Then, plan and coordinate environmental logistics
infrastructure. Whether to integrate the existing facilities
and comprehensive utilization, or plan and coordinate the
newly-built facilities, or accomplish facilities the
reasonable layout and perfect function according to the
development view of comprehensive, coordinated,
sustainable development advance[13].
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B Construction of the Environmental Logistics
Transportation System
In addition to good use of existing three kinds of
transportation modes, we need to positively innovate new
transport mode. Transportation cost is an important part
of logistics cost, a successful logistics distribution system
can not be separated with high efficiency, quick response
ability, low transportation cost transportation network.
Transport network design is a strategic decision, decision
makers need to be aware of goods flow, network
connection and node structure of the whole supply chain.
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C Institutional Innovation
First, it is incentive mechanism including green
subsidy policies, preferential tax policy and government
procurement policy and so on.
In order to promote the development of
environmental logistics, the government must establish
effective environmental incentive policy. This kind of
incentive policy is mainly through economic levers to
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And then the government system should include
environmental institution and charging institution.
Government system can make up for the lack of incentive
mechanism binding. The advantage of government system
is definite goal, the mandatory implementation and direct
effect.
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