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6E - Life cycle management (MOP/208) Environmental Supply Chain Management - From Strategy to Implementation. Saur, Konrad1, 1 Five Winds International, Donzdorf, Baden-Württemberg, Germany ABSTRACT- Many OEM's have found that to be truly successful in implementing DfE they must manage product environmental concerns posed by their suppliers. These new product focussed environmental supply chain management programs present strategic opportunities for companies to avoid costs and manage risk. Manufacturer's are placing new and detailed environmental requirements on their suppliers that include both compulsory and voluntary requirements. These requirements are part of the growing practice of environmental supply chain management and present opportunities for OEMs to save costs and manage risk. Some examples of these requirements include Environmental Management Systems (EMS), Design-for-Environment (DfE) programs, restricted material lists, take-back commitments, and performance disclosures. Primary and secondary research was undertaken with numerous firms. Investigation revealed that newer product-focused supply chain issues involving environmental attributes along the entire product life-cycle are becoming a concern for OEMs. There is evidence that this shift from facility-based requirements to product-based is a result of DfE programs being implemented at OEMs. Such product-focused concerns include: product composition, materials selection, recyclability, product-use, and product take-back. In addition, supplier verification of requirements is becoming an important strategic issue. This paper will draw on existing company programs to demonstrate and illustrate these supply chain management issues and opportunities. Key words: Supply chaim management, Environmentally concious design, Business benefit |
