Key Drivers of Green Logistics: A Systematic Literature Review and Conceptual Framework

Parvaneh Rastegardehbidi () and Zhan Su
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Parvaneh Rastegardehbidi: Faculté des Sciences de L’Administration, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
Zhan Su: Faculté des Sciences de L’Administration, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 21, 1-24

Abstract: The logistics sector contributes significantly to global warming, primarily through Scope 3 emissions. Green logistics practices (GLPs) can mitigate emissions and improve sustainability performance; however, their adoption remains limited due to high upfront costs and organizational barriers. This study aims to identify the driving factors of green logistics (GL) by conducting a systematic literature review following the PRISMA protocol. A total of 95 peer-reviewed articles published between 2016 and 2024 are analyzed. The review combines bibliometric and content analysis and develops a conceptual framework to guide future research. Findings reveal two main categories of drivers: (i) internal drivers, most notably top management commitment, which influences strategic direction, resource allocation, and organizational change; and (ii) external drivers, particularly institutional pressures. The study also identifies methodological patterns and theoretical gaps and proposes a theory–methodology–context agenda for future research. Practically, it shows how organizational readiness and supportive public policies can help overcome barriers, facilitate adoption, and promote more sustainable logistics systems.

Keywords: green logistics; environmental sustainability; internal drivers; external drivers; systematic literature review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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