Environmentally friendly purchasing is a growing trend, but so far few companies are realizing any spin-off benefits in terms of reduced costs, according to a recent survey conducted by research firm EyeForProcurement.
The cost of implementing green purchasing practices is the main sticking point, with a basic unawareness of environmental concerns running a close second as a barrier. Out of those polled for the survey (primarily procurement executives at manufacturing and logistics companies), nearly half (48%) have no green purchasing policies in place, 21% have developed written policies on green purchasing and 31% are actively practicing it.
| Key Benefits of Green Purchasing | |
| Support of corporate sustainability strategy | 67% |
| Responding to customer interest in green products | 49% |
| Reduced liability, health and safety costs | 19% |
| Cost reduction | 12% |
| Increased shareholder value | 12% |
| Source: EyeForProcurement | |
| Key Barriers to Implementing Green Purchasing | |
| Costs | 43% |
| Suppliers' lack of environmental awareness | 42% |
| Insufficient green purchasing knowledge | 37% |
| Difficulties in preparing green purchasing specs | 16% |
| Lack of corporate commitment | 16% |
| Source: EyeForProcurement | |
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