Bridging Emissions to Solutions: Enhancing Environmental Preservation through Green Inbound and Outbound Logistics

Logistics service providers significantly contribute to environmental degradation through improper waste disposal, hazardous packaging materials, excessive fuel consumption, and emissions. This study examines the impact of green inbound logistics and green outbound logistics on environmental, economic, and social performance of logistics companies using survey data from 221 Vietnamese logistics firms. Statistical analysis using Structural Equation Modeling revealed that green inbound logistics positively influences environmental and social performance while moderately affecting economic outcomes. In contrast, green outbound logistics demonstrates stronger effects on economic and environmental performance but exhibits limited impact on social dimensions. The measurement model showed strong reliability and validity (Cronbach's Alpha >0.70, robust Composite Reliability and Average Variance Extracted values), with excellent fit indices (Chi-Square/df = 1.681, GFI = 0.898, TLI = 0.945, CFI = 0.956, RMSEA = 0.056). These findings highlight important distinctions between inbound and outbound green logistics impacts, offering valuable insights for an industry with currently low adoption rates of sustainable practices. The research demonstrates that implementing green logistics enhances both environmental preservation and business performance, providing compelling evidence for companies to accelerate their sustainability transition. By understanding these differential impacts, logistics firms can develop more targeted and effective sustainability strategies that optimize triple bottom line outcomes.