Even in the age of recycling, forward and reverse supply chains have tended to be treated as separate disciplines. Now the world's largest retailer is partnering with major consumer goods manufacturers to help erase that distinction.

Don't tell anyone, but deep into the Electronic Age, we're still using paper.

An Environmental Protection Agency proposed rule that would require modified and reconstructed power plants to meet two different carbon dioxide emissions standards under separate provisions of the Clean Air Act is illegal, states and industry groups said.

From improved efficiency to more advanced fabrication possibilities, specialized 3-D printing sub-sectors are emerging that cater to an array of enterprise buyers with money to inject into the field. Machines can now produce materials with potential health applications, such as human cartilage, plus batteries, LEDs and motor components. But what is the environmental impact of 3-D printing?

Nik Delmeire, the newly appointed secretary general of the European Shippers' Council (ESC), has said it is time for businesses to measure, monitor and reduce emissions by freight transport. At the same time, the new European Commission should reduce existing trade barriers in the European Union. "Together these innovations can spur economic growth and create jobs," says Delmeire.

The Carbon Trust is developing a new certification for organizations seeking to reduce carbon emissions across their supply chains.

Managing carbon emissions in your supply chain is a constant challenge. You may have control over your own facilities and operations, but it's hard to influence the sustainability practices of third-party carriers and 3PLs. Your request for proposal (RFP) process provides a powerful (and frequently untapped) lever. By including language about registering with EPA's SmartWay Transport Partnership, you can use your RFPs to encourage truck, rail, logis-tics, and multimodal carriers to participate in SmartWay and help you quantify your supply chain’s carbon footprint at the same time.