A Conceptual Framework for Evaluating Green Logistics Practices Through Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods

Background: Green logistics practices are crucial for achieving the EU’s Green Deal objectives, addressing environmental challenges, improving supply chain efficiency, and fostering business sustainability. This paper presents a conceptual framework for green logistics practices and their application for ensuring sustainable organisational development. Methods: Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) methodologies, this study assesses the importance of green logistics practices in Lithuanian SMEs and their future application. The AHP method facilitates pairwise comparisons to determine the weights of green logistics criteria, while the SAW method evaluates the final sub-criteria by aggregating normalized scores according to the identified weights. Results: A survey of ten companies revealed that green transportation is the most developed green logistics practice, with the focus on infrastructure, skills and transport optimisation. Green warehousing is the second most significant practice, with SMEs considering it vital to green logistics because of its sustainable warehousing measures. Green packaging is considered third in terms of importance, due to the attention paid to the packaging materials used. Conclusions: The full potential of green logistics has yet to be realised. Adopting a more balanced approach could enhance environmental outcomes and bolster the resilience of the long-term supply chain.