Going green in logistics: The case of small and medium-sized enterprises in Poland

Aim/purpose – The aim of the paper is to identify the features of ‘green’ small and medium-sized enterprises operating in Poland.

Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a quantitative approach and a group of 200 small and medium-sized enterprises operating in Poland were examined. The classification tree method was used to analyze the data gathered.

Findings – The ‘green’ small and medium-sized enterprises operating in Poland were characterized and their important features were identified, e.g., belonging to the TFL (Transport Forwarding Logistics) sector and a direct relationship with the supply chain leader. In the case of enterprises from the TFL sector, their area of activity is a natural environment for the development of ‘green logistics’ practices. In turn, the supply chain leader usually pushes for specific solutions aimed at achieving the assumed goals, including environmental goals.

Research implications/limitations – The research results enable the identification process of small and medium-sized enterprises interested in implementing the ‘green logistics’ concept and, consequently, their support. Nevertheless, small and medium-sized enterprises operating in Poland were the only examined, thus the research findings cannot be generalized for other countries. However, the paper could be a starting point for comparative analyses on an international scale.

Originality/value/contribution – The development of ‘green logistics’ among small and medium-sized enterprises in Poland is still not recognized by researchers. The paper is a valuable addition to this research gap.