International Journal of Production Technology and Management (IJPTM), ISSN 0976 – 6383 (Print), ISSN 0976 – 6391 (Online) Volume 3, Issue 1, January- December (2012), © IAEME 78 GREEN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT EMPIRICAL STUDY FOR ‘‘CLOSING THE LOOP’’ AJAY VERMA*, DR. ANSHUL GANGELE** * [Research Scholar] Department of Mechanical Engineering, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur (Raj.) 302025 E-mail: vajay9@yahoo.co.in **Institute of Technology & Management, Gwalior (M.P.) 474001 E-mail: anshulgangele@gmail.com ABSTRACT In this paper we report on results from a cross-sectional survey with pharmaceuticals manufacturers in Indian industries. Pharmaceuticals to evaluate the green supply chain management (GSCM) practices and relate them to closing the supply chain loop. Our findings provide insights into the capabilities of Indian organizations on the adoption of GSCM practices in pharmaceuticals industrial contexts and that these practices are not considered equitably across the industries. Keywords: Green supply chain management; Closed-loop supply chains; Empirical study 1. INTRODUCTION Many industries have experienced increasing globalization and a shifting focus to competition among networks of companies. Supply chain management (SCM) has become an important competitive approach for organizations in this environment. Multinational enterprises have established global networks of suppliers that take advantage of country- industry specific characteristics to build this competitive advantage. [16] Logistics and supply chain managers have to balance efforts to reduce costs and innovate while maintaining good environmental (ecological) performance. [31] Green supply chain management (GSCM) has emerged as an approach to balance these competitive requirements. [30] GSCM and logistics efforts have caused organizations to consider closing the supply chain loop (closed loop supply chains (CLSC)). [6] Within CLSC and GSCM practices, recoverable product environments, and the design of these products and materials, have become an increasingly important segment of the overall push in industry towards environmentally conscious manufacturing and logistics. [22] Even though CLSC has significant environmental motivations, regulatory, competitive and economic pressures also INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT (IJPTM) ISSN 0976- 6383 (Print) ISSN 0976 - 6391 (Online) Volume 3, Issue 1, January-December (2012), pp. 78-94 © IAEME: www.iaeme.com/ijptm.asp Journal Impact Factor (2012): 1.5910 (Calculated by GISI) www.jifactor.com IJPTM © I A E M E