A Study on Sustainable Supply Chain Management Practices at Cosmo Films Waluj

Abstract

Sustainability has become an imperative dimension of modern manufacturing strategy, compelling organizations to integrate environmental, social, and economic considerations into their supply chain operations. Cosmo Films Limited, one of India\'s leading manufacturers of specialty packaging films, operates a significant production facility at Waluj MIDC, Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), Maharashtra. This research paper critically examines the sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices adopted at Cosmo Films Waluj, evaluating their design, implementation, and impact on operational efficiency and environmental performance. The study employs a qualitative case-study methodology complemented by structured interviews with supply chain and production personnel, direct plant observation, and secondary data from sustainability reports and published literature. Key dimensions investigated include green procurement, energy-efficient production processes, waste minimization, responsible logistics, circular economy initiatives, supplier sustainability audits, and compliance with environmental regulations such as ISO 14001. Findings reveal that Cosmo Films Waluj has made commendable progress in embedding sustainability into its supply chain, including significant reductions in energy intensity, adoption of recycled raw materials, and robust supplier evaluation frameworks. However, challenges persist in the areas of upstream supplier compliance monitoring, reverse logistics infrastructure, and quantification of scope 3 carbon emissions. The paper concludes with strategic recommendations to advance SSCM maturity and positions Cosmo Films as a model for sustainable manufacturing excellence in the specialty films industry.

Introduction

The text examines Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) practices at Cosmo Films Waluj plant in India, using the Triple Bottom Line (people, planet, profit) framework to evaluate environmental, social, and economic sustainability in manufacturing.

It explains that global supply chains are increasingly driven by sustainability requirements due to environmental regulations and stakeholder expectations. In India, especially in the packaging industry, policies like EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) and Plastic Waste Management Rules are pushing companies to adopt greener practices. Cosmo Films Waluj, a major producer of BOPP and specialty films, is studied as a case due to its large-scale operations and sustainability focus.

The study aims to analyze key SSCM areas such as:

• Supplier sustainability and green procurement
• Energy efficiency and emission reduction
• Waste management and circular economy practices
• Sustainable logistics and distribution
• Implementation challenges and improvement strategies

A qualitative case-study approach was used, including interviews, plant observations, and secondary data from reports and audits.

Key findings:

• The company has a structured supply chain with multiple supplier tiers, but sustainability monitoring is strong mainly at Tier-1 level.
• Energy efficiency has significantly improved, with a 14% reduction in energy use and increasing renewable energy adoption (up to 17.4%).
• Strong carbon reduction efforts and ISO 50001-based energy management systems are in place.
• The plant achieves high circular economy performance, recycling up to 97% of film waste and diverting 89% of waste from landfills.
• Logistics efficiency has improved through better truck utilization and use of rail-road transport, reducing emissions.

However, gaps remain in:

• Tier-2 and Tier-3 supplier monitoring
• Scope 3 emissions tracking
• Full integration of sustainable logistics practices

Overall, SSCM maturity is:

• Advanced in procurement, energy, and waste management
• Developing in logistics
• Emerging in deeper supply chain emissions tracking and supplier coverage

Conclusion

This research paper has provided a comprehensive evaluation of sustainable supply chain management practices at Cosmo Films Waluj, situated within the broader context of India\'s manufacturing sustainability transition. The study demonstrates that Cosmo Films has made substantive and measurable progress in embedding sustainability across its supply chain, particularly in the domains of energy management, waste minimization, and green procurement from primary suppliers. The plant\'s achievements—including a 14% reduction in specific energy intensity, 89% landfill waste diversion, full Zero Liquid Discharge compliance, and in-house BOPP film recycling—position it as a sustainability leader within the Indian specialty packaging films industry. These outcomes are not merely environmental achievements but have also generated tangible business value through cost reduction, enhanced customer relationships, and strengthened regulatory standing. However, significant opportunities for SSCM advancement remain, particularly in extending supply chain sustainability governance to lower-tier suppliers, developing a comprehensive Scope 3 emissions measurement capability, accelerating renewable energy procurement, and investing in circular economy infrastructure for specialty film waste streams. Addressing these gaps will require cross-functional collaboration, strategic investment planning, and industry-level advocacy for improved recycling infrastructure. As India accelerates its sustainable development agenda and global customers raise the bar on supply chain sustainability expectations, organizations like Cosmo Films Waluj have both the responsibility and the opportunity to demonstrate that manufacturing excellence and environmental stewardship are not competing priorities but mutually reinforcing imperatives. With continued commitment and strategic foresight, Cosmo Films Waluj can evolve into a globally recognized benchmark for sustainable manufacturing in the specialty packaging films sector.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Amol Sainath Parde, Prof. Savita Gayke. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.