A Review of Sustainable Supply Chain Initiatives

Purpose– This paper aims to provide a framework which can assist focal companies in the development of sustainable supply chains. Sustainable development from an industrial perspective has extended beyond organisational boundaries to incorporate a supply chain approach.Design/methodology/approach– The literature related to sustainable supply chain management is reviewed by incorporating concepts from four organisational theories, including the resource-based, institutional, stakeholder and social network perspectives, to illustrate key drivers and enablers of sustainability initiatives in the supply chain. A conceptual multidimensional framework is then developed that can be used for the initial assessment of supply chain sustainability.Findings– Development and assessment of sustainability in supply chains are being increasingly incorporated as part of supply chain management today. This paper presents a multidimensional framework which can serve as a tool for research scholars and supply chain practitioners in identifying and assessing various economic, environmental and social performance indicators.Research limitations/implications– The framework and approach presented are conceptual, and require additional and broader validation. Additional theories, at differing levels, such as individual behaviour theory, should be utilised to further enhance and evaluate the framework. Developing and integrating analytical models for prescriptive and practical supply chain solutions can enhance the applicability of the framework.Practical implications– The framework adopts a multidimensional approach to assessing and designing sustainable supply chains, as it not only incorporates economic and environmental dimensions but also provides a practical approach to quantifying and embedding the social dimension into decision-making. The framework helps industry practitioners in initial exploration of trade-offs among economic, environmental and social performance of supply chains, which, in turn, could assist them in creating a business case for sustainability.Originality/value– The paper is one of few studies that incorporates some of the key aspects of all three dimensions of sustainability in a single overarching framework for supply chains and offers significant theoretical contribution and implications for sustainable supply chain management.

This study examines the complicated relationships between sustainable supply chain practices, resilience, employee involvement, top management support, and sustainable textile performance in Pakistan. Purposive sampling selected 283 supply chain specialists for data collecting. This study investigated sustainable supply chain management dynamics in a given sector and area. The study's main value is confirming Sustainable Supply Chain Management's fundamentals. This study proves that sustainable supply chain methods improve performance. The Pakistani textile sector recognizes the growing importance of sustainability in supply chain operations to maintain competitiveness and address social challenges, following global trends. Additionally, supply chain resilience is a key intermediary variable in this study. Sustainable supply chain practices improve an organization’s resilience to disruptions and adaptability to changing environmental conditions, as shown in this statement. Supply chain resilience as a mediator improves sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) theory. It underlines that sustainability requires understanding mechanisms as well as consequences. Employee involvement moderates the debate, as shown in this study. This study found that engaged employees boost the favorable effects of sustainable supply chain strategies on overall sustainable performance. This supports the current trend of employee-led sustainability efforts, where motivated and engaged people drive organizational sustainability. The study found no indication that top management support moderates. This suggests that leadership's impact is contextual, requiring context-specific sustainable supply chain management strategies. This study challenges conventional wisdom and advocates for further research into top management support in sustainable supply chains. The study's practical findings are crucial for Pakistan's textile and related industries. The paper emphasizes the need of prioritizing sustainable supply chain practices, developing resilience, engaging employees at all levels in sustainability projects, and providing leadership support in the right context. The above practical principles reflect the changing sustainability landscape and provide a strategy for firms seeking economic success and environmental and social responsibility. A study in Pakistan's textile industry adds empirical evidence to Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) theory. This emphasizes the importance of industry-specific details and corporate cultures in sustainability initiatives. In conclusion, these results spur a greener future in textiles and global supply chain management.

PurposeThis paper explores how organizational capabilities and path dependence affect the implementation of supply chain (SC) sustainability initiatives. Through the lenses of contingency and evolutionary theory, the paper addresses the underexplored supply chain dynamics that enhance or inhibit sustainability trajectories.Design/methodology/approachUsing in-depth multi-case studies for theory elaboration, five supply chains were studied through open-ended interviews with SC members, secondary data collection and site visit observation. The design consists of a combination of deductive and inductive approaches to elaborate theory on supply chain dynamics and enhanced sustainability trajectories.FindingsThe empirical study shows that learning is a fundamental condition for supply chains as they implement sustainability initiatives, and that exploitation capabilities are more frequently used than exploration capabilities. Path dependence plays a role in the outcomes of supply chain sustainability initiatives, which are influenced by both path dependence and contingencies of the contexts in which these systems operate.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper puts forward five propositions that emerge from the literature and from the field study results. Although this is an exploratory research bounded by geographical limitations and the limited number of SC cases, the goal of elaborating theory may open up several promising avenues for future large-scale and longitudinal research studies.Practical implicationsBy enhancing our understanding of the dynamics of supply chain sustainability trajectories, decision-makers, scholars and policy-makers can better understand how supply chains learn, how they employ SC member capabilities and how they deal with stakeholder resistance.Originality/valueThis paper extends supply chain sustainability theory by addressing the knowledge gap that exists with regard to understanding the dynamics of evolving supply chain sustainability trajectories. This paper sheds additional light on this important topic and contributes in multiple ways to the sustainable supply chain management literature.

Sustainable procurement and supply chain management are crucial for advancing geothermal energy and environmental projects, given their role in mitigating climate change and promoting resource efficiency. This review explores the integration of sustainability practices into the procurement and supply chain processes specific to geothermal energy projects and environmental initiatives. Geothermal energy, recognized for its low carbon footprint and renewable nature, requires a sustainable approach to procurement to maximize its environmental benefits. Key strategies include selecting suppliers with strong sustainability credentials and implementing green procurement policies that prioritize eco-friendly materials and technologies. Moreover, lifecycle assessment plays a critical role in evaluating the environmental impacts of equipment and materials used in geothermal projects, ensuring that all components contribute to the overall sustainability goals. In the context of environmental projects, sustainable supply chain management involves reducing waste, optimizing resource use, and enhancing the overall efficiency of project execution. Technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly utilized to enhance transparency and traceability in supply chains, allowing for real-time monitoring of environmental impacts and ensuring compliance with sustainability standards. These technologies facilitate the management of complex supply chains by providing accurate data on supplier practices and environmental performance. Challenges in implementing sustainable procurement and supply chain practices include balancing cost with sustainability objectives and managing the complexities of global supply chains. However, companies that successfully integrate these practices benefit from enhanced corporate reputation, improved stakeholder relations, and long-term operational resilience. Sustainable procurement and supply chain management not only support the achievement of environmental goals but also contribute to the economic viability of geothermal energy and environmental projects. The paper concludes that adopting sustainable practices in these sectors is essential for advancing global sustainability objectives and ensuring the long-term success of energy and environmental initiatives.

PurposeCompanies are increasingly challenged by sustainability-related supply chain risks. Research has developed linking supply chain sustainability priorities, practices and triple bottom line performance; however, risk is rarely included in these models. The purpose of this paper is to understand the link between sustainable supply chain strategies, practices and performance, and to test the importance of risk management practices in this relationship focusing on the product category level.Design/methodology/approachThe paper includes a survey of supply managers in four countries with 305 responses, with a focus on upstream supply chain strategies at the product category level.FindingsThe environmental and social sustainability strategies lead to sustainable supply sustainable performance, through focused practices in either area, but the effect on operational and cost performance is not significant. Social supply chain strategies positively impact environmental and cost performance when mediated by risk assessment practices.Originality/valueThis paper shows a more nuanced view of the impact of supply chain practices on the strategy–performance link. It is one of the first papers to empirically test the role of risk practices in sustainable supply chain management and emphasize the importance of alignment across the main dimensions of sustainability to achieve positive sustainable performance outcomes, but not necessarily cost and operational performance. Unlike other studies, social sustainability priorities may positively impact environmental and social performance and is linked to cost advantage when implemented with risk assessment practices.

Purpose This research develops a theoretical framework to understand the role of big data analytics capability (BDAC) in enhancing supply chain sustainability and examines the moderating effect of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices on this relationship. Design/methodology/approach Guided by the dynamic capability view (DCV), we formulated a theoretical model and research hypotheses. We used partial least square-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze data collected from 159 survey responses from Bangladeshi ready-made garments (RMG). Findings The statistical analysis revealed that BDAC positively impacts all three dimensions of supply chain sustainability: economic, social and environmental. Additionally, GSCM practices significantly moderate the relationship between BDAC and supply chain sustainability. Research limitations/implications This study makes unique contributions to the operations and supply chain management literature by providing empirical evidence and theoretical insights that extend beyond the focus on single sustainability dimensions. The findings offer valuable guidelines for policymakers and managers to enhance supply chain sustainability through BDAC and GSCM practices. Originality/value This study advances the current understanding of supply chain sustainability by integrating BDAC with GSCM practices. It is among the first to empirically investigate the combined effects of BDAC on the three dimensions of sustainability – economic, social and environmental – while also exploring the moderating role of GSCM practices. By employing the DCV, this research offers a robust theoretical framework highlighting the dynamic interplay between technological and environmental capabilities in achieving sustainable supply chain performance.

PurposeWhile various supply chain (SC) sustainability investigations exist, their connection to supply chain resilience (SCRes) remains largely unexplored. To fill this gap, the authors answer the question: “How do firms' sustainability actions affect their SCs' resilience and sustainability trajectories in turbulent environments?" by exploring the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted 10 case studies in five industries located in six European countries. A total of 19 semi-structured interviews and relevant secondary data were collected and analyzed in reference to SC sustainability learning and the literature on SCRes approaches (i.e. engineering, ecological and social-ecological).Findings31 SC actions referring to different sustainability dimensions were identified to map SCRes learning through a temporal, spatial and functional scale analysis. While five cases are related to an engineering approach focused on “bouncing back” to pre-pandemic goals, three cases were focused on “bouncing forward” as part of an ecological approach. Moreover, the authors identified the existence of two social-ecological resilience cases which developed long-term actions, updating functional set-ups transcending the SC level. The results furthermore illustrate an influence of the SCRes approaches on SC sustainability learning, generating three different paths: flat, flat ascending and ascending SC sustainability trajectories.Research limitations/implicationsThe study develops an overview of the adoption of SCRes approaches due to temporal, spatial and functional scales, and their effect on SC sustainability trajectories through exploitation and exploration capabilities. Future research should elaborate on potential moderators in the proposed relationships.Practical implicationsA better understanding of the link between SC sustainability actions and SCRes will help practitioners to make better informed decisions in turbulent environments.Originality/valueUnlike previous research, this paper provides empirical evidence on engineering, ecological and social-ecological SCRes approaches, as well as SC sustainability trajectories.

Goal: This research delves into sustainable supply chain management within the context of manufacturing companies in Bangladesh, aiming to unravel the complexities and dynamics of supply chain visibility (SCV), connectivity, and their influence on economic, social, and environmental performance. Design/Methodology/Approach: Employing a contingent Resource-Based View perspective, the study develops a hierarchical model, formulates hypotheses, and conducts analyses using Smart PLS 4. It explores the interplay between supply chain connectivity, information sharing, and product complexity in influencing sustainable supply chain performance. Findings: The study reveals that supply chain connectivity positively impacts information sharing, leading to enhanced SCV. SCV, in turn, positively influences economic, social, and environmental performance. Product complexity is identified as a moderating factor in this relationship. Research Limitations/Implications: While the findings offer valuable insights, the study's focus on manufacturing companies in Bangladesh implies contextual limitations. Future research could explore diverse settings and delve deeper into the specific mechanisms driving these dynamics. Practical Implications: This study offers actionable insights for manufacturing firms in Bangladesh, emphasizing the strategic adoption of advanced IT infrastructure to bolster supply chain connectivity. By fostering a culture of real-time information sharing through ICTs, companies can optimize operational efficiency. The research also underscores the importance of tailored approaches to product complexity, providing practical guidance for navigating diverse product portfolios. These practices collectively contribute to improved economic, social, and environmental performance, positioning companies as agile and responsible players in the global supply chain. Social Implications: The study underscores the broader social implications of sustainable supply chain practices, emphasizing the need for responsible and transparent operations that balance economic prosperity, environmental responsibility, and social considerations. Originality/Value: This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by advancing our understanding of sustainable supply chain dynamics, particularly in emerging markets. It offers original insights into the contingent relationships between supply chain connectivity, information sharing, product complexity, and sustainable performance.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to give an up-to-date and structured insight into the literature published during the past decade on sustainable green supply chain management. It also suggests trends for future research based on the research issues identified through systematic and comprehensive analysis of previous studies in the area of green and sustainable supply chain management.Design/methodology/approachA state-of-the-art literature review is carried out by systematically collecting the existing literature over a period of 10 years (2005-2014) and categorizing it on the basis of attributes such as stages in supply chain, methodology and the industries/sectors under consideration. The classification of literature is also done according to the geographic region and year of publication.FindingsThere has been an increased interest among researchers and practitioners in the area of sustainable green supply chain management in the past decade. A need for achieving sustainability through adoption of greener practices has been universally felt, owing to an increasing environmental and ecological complexity. The review reveals that there exists a need to address behavioural issues like human resource management and supply chain partner relationship management. Moreover, reverse logistics, closed-loop supply chain management and waste management are areas that need special focus to achieve environmental sustainability.Research limitations/implicationsThe current review focuses on research trends in the past 10 years only. Moreover, papers from only good quality, peer-reviewed journals are considered in the study.Originality/valueMost of the previous reviews have either focused on specific issues related to sustainable supply chains only or green supply chains. The present study collectively takes into consideration papers both from green supply chain management as well as from sustainable supply chain literature that have a prime focus on environmental sustainability.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the dark side of supermarket-driven sustainable dairy supply chains. This paper raises questions about the unintended consequences of implementing sustainable supply chain management in the dairy food supply chain. It critically questions whether unintended consequences were actually, anticipated, as the course of action taken by retailers reinforces the dominant profitability discourse.Design/methodology/approachThrough a critical management studies approach, this paper challenges the dominant discourse to shed light on the social consequences of the win-win sustainable supply chain management in the dairy food supply chain. The focus of this paper is on the experiences of farmers, taking their viewpoint of sustainable supply chains rather than taking the perspective of the multinationals who have traditionally been the focus of supply chain management research (e.g. McCarthy et al., 2018; Quarshie et al., 2016).FindingsThe study illuminates how retailers have bolstered their dominant position through using sustainable supply chains to exert further control over their suppliers. The management of sustainable supply chains has been a further catalyst in economically and socially dividing rural communities and creating tensions between dairy farmers.Originality/valueThis paper uses an ethnographic study to provide in-depth stories of the changes that took place within one farming community. It exposes the hidden ways in which the introduction of a sustainable dairy supply chain has created social and economic division, further reducing the collective power of dairy farmers through creating a dual supply chain.

Analyzing the effects of Industry 4.0 technologies and coordination on the sustainability of supply chains

This study aims to analyze the effect of sustainable supply chain management on the performance of organic Robusta coffee in the Farmers Group, Amadanom Village, Malang Regency. The impact of sustainable supply chain management in this study is identified from the supplier, manufacture, and consumer variables. Supply chain performance is known through economic, environmental, and social dimensions. The approach used in this research is quantitative. The data was collected from 50 respondents. These respondents are all elements of Farmer Group's sustainable supply chain. Sampling was done by census and snowball sampling. The research used the Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) method to analyze. This study showed that the supplier does not significantly affect economic performance but has a positive and significant impact on environmental performance and social performance. The manufacturing variable has a positive and significant effect on financial and social performance but does not substantially impact environmental performance. Consumers in a sustainable supply chain have a positive and significant effect on economic performance, environmental performance, and social performance.

The development of resilient and sustainable supply chains is perceived as the ultimate ideal to enhance supply chain performance. To cope with the increasing frequency and severity of supply chain disruptions, organizations are developing crucial capabilities to manage disruptions effectively. Most literature would suggest that a supply chain with high resilience would be more sustainable. However, others argue that sustainability and resilience objectives could be conflicting with each other. This chapter discusses the relationship between strategies employed by a supply chain to build resiliency against disruption and the impact of those practices on the sustainability of the supply chain, in particular, the environmental performance. In addition, this chapter reviews modeling approaches that are utilized to control costs, service levels, sustainability performance, and create resiliency in the supply chain. This book chapter could be used as a reference for researchers who are interested in the general management approach to the sustainable and resilient supply chain in addition to integrating resilient and sustainability factors in the supply chain modeling.

Developing a sustainability index for public health supply chains

With increasing globalization and international cooperation, the importance of sustainability management across supply chains has received much attention by companies across various industries. Companies therefore strive to implement effective and integrated sustainable supply chain management initiatives to improve their operational and economic performance while also minimizing unnecessary damage to the environment and maintaining their social reputation and images. The paper presents an easy-to-use decision-support approach based on multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodologies that aim to help companies develop effective models for timely decision-making involving sustainable supply chain management strategies. The proposed approach can be used by practitioners to ultimately build a comprehensive Analytic Network Process model that will adequately capture and reveal all the interrelationships and interdependency among the elements in the problem, which is often a very difficult task. To facilitate and simplify this complex process, we propose that hierarchical thinking be used first to structure the essences of the problem capturing only the major issues, and an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model be built. Users can learn from the modeling process and gain much insight into the problem. The AHP can then be extended to an Analytic Network Process (ANP) model so as to capture the relationships and interdependencies among the elements. Our approach can reduce the sustainable expertise, effort and information that are often needed to build an ANP model from scratch. We apply our approach to the evaluation of sustainable supply chain management strategies for the fashion industry. Three main dimensions of sustainability—environmental, economic and social—are considered. Based on the literature, we identified four alternative supply chain management strategies. It was found that the Reverse Logistics alternative appears to be the recommended solution by the AHP model. However, the Socially Leagile Supply Chain is recommended by the ANP model, thereby demonstrating the necessity and importance of considering interdependencies in the model.