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Top1. Introduction
Material distribution is a functional and interdependent operation within any production facility that deals with the allotment and movement of materials. The interaction involves various operational mechanisms such as planning, implementation, and the optimization of material flow, and related information from the source to the point of need. Streamlining and optimizing these processes provides an advantage in terms of income maximization, stock turnover, inventory network speed, and effective client delivery(Yang, Hou, Ju, Gu, Qian, & Wang, 2020). According to Singh, Singh, Singh, and Kumar (2020) resources such as materials and plant design are maximized to enhance productivity. An effective dissemination of materials is the key to realizing rapid distribution. This could tackle the issue of crisis or shortage. Consequently, an optimal distribution of materials within a production chain can be accomplished by forecasting demand, retaining base stock, and allocation models(Rejeb, Rejeb, Simske, & Treiblmaier, 2021).
The primary goal of material distribution is optimal material allotment. Therefore, the optimization of material distribution is an integral aspect of production that can serve as a control model(Guarnieri, De-Aguiar, Thome, & Watanabe, 2021). The intricacies of production chain have significantly expanded due to the interaction of numerous echelons working interdependently and contending to serve the peculiarity of each client request. Besides these intricacies, production chains also face various material distribution vulnerabilities. Therefore, material distribution assumes a fundamental function in production procedures. Furthermore, the productivity of a distribution channel could be estimated by the capacity of the organization to optimize costs that are related to performing essential functions and distributions. The paradigm of material distribution within the boundaries of manufacturing entails primary distribution and secondary distribution(Cano, Gomez, & Cortes, 2021).
Given this, the deterioration of the environment by the utilisation of fossils could be linked to fossil fuel by-products from various energy and exchange-related sources(Shan, Genc, Kamran, & Dinca, 2021). Consoli, Haller, Doring, Hashemi, and Robinson (2021) posited that the overall carbon emanation is an after-effect of inventory chain and extensive proportion of energy utilisation during material distribution. Consequently, sustainable ecological techniques during material distribution is an essential variable in environmental outcome (Ufua, Emielu, Olujobi, Lakhani, Borishade, Ibidunni, & Osabuohien, 2021). The review by Chow (2021) affirmed that environmental outcome depends on industrial operations such as material distribution and numerous anthropogenic materials channeled into the environment. During the procedure of material distribution such as picking and allotment a machine with an optimal output should be selected. Moreover, a reduction in energy such as fossil fuel utilization within the distribution centre would enhance the environment from an environmental standpoint. Therefore, energy optimality is a focal means of achieving sustainability. Subsequently manufacturing firms need to focus on eco-production cycles and minimal material utilisation per unit production in a post-pandemic era(Olokundun, Ibidunni, Ogbari, Falola, & Salau, 2021). Extant literature’s have examined material distribution and environmental outcome separately. However, the operational effect of material distribution on environmental outcome has not been given much consideration. It is on this surmise that the study seeks to assess the degree of material distribution on environmental outcome of selected large-scale fabrics manufacturing firms in Lagos State.