Literature Review of an evaluation of the implementation of green procurement Bakery Sector in Ireland

        This section reviews past studies about green procurement as well as the conceptual frameworks that would explain the implementation of green procurement in business. The review of past studies begins by defining green procurement, its economic benefits, its impact on economic sustainability, its enablers/drivers and barriers. Since there are not studies about the use of green procurement in the bread manufacturing sector of Ireland or other countries, the study utilizes studies done on other sectors such as construction.  

Review of research studies of an evaluation of the implementation of green procurement Bakery Sector in Ireland

Green procurement of an evaluation of the implementation of green procurement Bakery Sector in Ireland

        In order to define green procurement, it is important to define the terms green and procurement. Different scholars have provided different definitions for the term procurement. Pembere (2016) defines procurement as the coordination of the various commercial operations as well as managing business relationships both internally and externally, which includes the relationship with the suppliers, customers and government to establish an integrated system within the supply chain. This description gives importance to the aspects of coordination and relationship-forming or partnership as part of the procurement process. Gormly (2014) defines procurement as the integration of different aspects within the business ecosystem that begin from the sourcing of raw materials, manufacturing and eventual delivery of the products to the consumers.

            This definition underscores the importance of integration of different elements that constitute procurement and that without which procurement ceases to exit. In both Pembere and Gormly’s definitions, procurement involves more than once process and it is about sourcing, manufacturing and delivery. Within and without the value flow processes, there may be need to form relationships and this may entail careful selection of suppliers and other business partners within the supply chain such as delivery companies and retail outlets. Green on the other hand, is a relatively new concept that denotes the utilization of environment-friendly products and services or choosing to partner with individuals or companies who subscribe to green policies and integrate green services in their businesses.

            Bag (2017) who conducts a study about the role of green procurement in driving sustainable innovation in the supplier network highlights important aspects of green procurement that include: green policies, green specifications, joint and mutual relationships with the suppliers on environmental issues, frequent audits to evaluate the suppliers’ adherence to environmental requirements and certain environmental certifications. Thus, the integration of green procurement is not just about the application of green purchasing within a firm, but choosing to partner with individuals and companies that share the same ideals about the need for a green value supply chain.

            Smith (2008) who did a study about developing a sustainable supply chain within the food sector supports Bag’s definition when he states that green procurement is the pledge by the firm to decrease the use of excess materials to minimize costs, protecting available resources, and enhancing the firm’s image through active measures that show community and environmental concerns by the firm. Smith’s description takes into account the need to protect the resources and building an image, which can be argued as a secondary outcome of corporate social responsibility. Wilson et al, (2008) argues that the objective of green procurement is to reduce waste and focusing on the value by considering the entire cost of the process of eliminating waste. Lehtinen (2012) description of green procurement is much broader and definitive where she notes that it entials purchasing and operational pracctices that are exercised repeatedly over a period of time, which ultimatel leads to a habit. She further notes that he practices include supplier selecton, e-procurement, lean suppl chain, formulation and use of green policies and supplier development.

            Robinson et al, (2018) notes that green procurement is the procurement of environmentally-friendly goods and services, the selection of green suppliers and the setting of environmental policies in a contract. Robinson et al, who also refer to green procurement as environmental purchasing, note that green procurement stems from the need to reduce environmental pollution and adapting environmentally-conscious principles and activities that promote environmental conservation.

            The goal is to ensure business and environmental sustainability since the environment serves as a resource for most industries. It is worth noting that Robinson et al, definition of green procurement applies the same concepts as Wilson et al, (2008) who stresses the need for waste elimination and environmental conservation. Zalwango (2013) definition of green procurement touches on this concept as part of business ethics when it comes to protecting and conserving the environment – a factor that could lead to tough decision-making. She notes that green purchasing entails activities such as comparing prices, selecting green products over conventional products, using technologies such as e-procurement, seeking quality, and considering the impact of the product or service on the environment while negotiating contracts (Zalwango, 2013).

            Bag (2017) argues that green purchasing is increasingly becoming a cornerstone of environmental best business practices in most western countries. Since the International Conference on Environment and Development at Rio de Janeiro in 1992 as well asthe rise in global climate change, environmental -consciousness has increased over the decades and this has led to the integration of green procurement practice within firms to support sustainable consumption and production. Beer and Lemmer (2011) note that advanced technologies have increased environment-consciousness and enabled the use of green procurement in businesses. The authors note that through real-time sharing of information, individuals are aware of corporate practices through company disclosures; technologies such as e-procurement are helping firms reduce costs, it eases the purchasing process, and the transaction speed is increased (Beer and Lemmer, 2011). Robinson et al, (2018) argues that the public authorities in some countries are pushing green procurement as a policy instrument and a technical tool to safeguard the environment and society.

        Thus, the concept of green procurement cannot be sidelined from environmental issues that threaten global climate change and human well-being when considering things like toxic industrial pollution. Robinson et al, (2018) remark that environmental responsibilities have grown considerably in recent years as the public becomes more aware of the environment and the legislative directives relating to the environment have increased requiring firms to be environmentally responsible. Moreover, in light of surging operational costs some of which are linked to waste management, environmental degradation, public health issues, climate change, resource exhaustion, and increasing global dearth, the supply chain management is being looked upon to support and steer the change for sustainable business operations through the consideration of social and environmental criteria within the procurement procedures (Pembere, 2016).