Green supply chain analysis provides an opportunity to review processes, materials and operational concepts. As with continuous improvement programs, green supply chain analysis targets wasted material and under-utilized resources. A unique opportunity for retailers is to use the supply chain to reduce paper consumption and transportation costs. Paper manufacturing is the third largest consumer of fossil fuels worldwide and is also by far the largest component of landfill waste. Retailers are significant consumers of paper, primarily in the cardboard used to ship orders.

Supply chain algortithms by such as package cubing can result in significant reductions in cardboard consumption by packing orders more efficiently. Optimizing inventory and distribution among multiple distribution centers also creates significant reductions in transportation emissions. Customer orders can be matched to closest fulfillment location through the use of smart routing, reducing greenhouse gases from highway and air freight.