Logistic Sector as a Support Segment for Sustainable Supply Chains - Technology Management for Sustainable Production and Logistics - page 86

Fig. 3 The role of stakeholders in supporting SSC
On the basis of the research conducted among Polish market companies it can
be assumed that logistic sector plays a great role in developing sustainable supply
chains (Fig. 3 ). Therefore, every CSR action of logistic companies may stand for
an endless source of inspiration and knowledge for other horizontally integrated
companies. According to respondents, companies directly connected with supply
chains, such as suppliers, manufacturers, trade agents and logistic sector compa-
nies, have the greatest influence on supporting SSC development. Furthermore,
central and local government organizations, companies indirectly connected with
supply chains, non-governmental organizations and clients have been listed. The
fact that each stakeholder has been assigned at least an average role in SSC devel-
opment is significant. Thus, it can be concluded that respondents notice the oppor-
tunities of SSC support both in macro- and micro environment of companies.
Moreover, among the urgent questions requiring education on SSC, the sustain-
able logistic service has been recognized as one of the greatest priority (Fig. 4 ).
Summing up, the logistic sector, which is taking over the logistic support of
companies to an ever increasing extent (2014 Third-Party Logistics Study 2014 ),
can not only take over the role of a supply chain co-ordinator in a natural way, but
also the role of a co-ordinator and an initiator of SSC actions. It is all the more jus-
tified, in the context of putting in the first place (in terms of sustainable develop-
ment) the environmental needs. As it has been earlier stressed, the logistic sector
has its significant role in generating CO 2 .
5 Examples of Sustainability Actions in Logistic Sector
Actions concerning both strategic and operational issues can be enumerated
among many actions undertaken by logistic sector companies for the sake of sus-
tainability supply chains (Table 2 ).