Advancing sustainable supply chain management: emerging trends, challenges and determinants of success

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a framework and propositions to advance research and practice in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). Performance indicators (economic, environmental, and social) identified in the paper aim to facilitate empirical testing of a range of theoretical models derived or extended from the stated propositions.Design/methodology/approachThe study of SSCM is truly complicated, and there is no one theory that applies in all instances. The authors analyzed over 200 critical articles published in major supply chain management and sustainability-based journals and grounded the proposed framework in a multi-theoretical perspective.FindingsSSCM implementation entails linking stakeholder pressures, moral motives, and management commitment with relational practices. The paper further elucidates how relational practices, when bundled together, can create a set of relational capabilities, which in turn transform stakeholder pressures into sustainable outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsThe research framework contributes to SSCM theory building insofar as it can be expanded into various theoretical models, allowing researchers to empirically test the links among SSCM drivers, management commitment, and relational capabilities, along with their individual or collective impact on supply chain performance.Practical implicationsThe framework provides a roadmap for firms to develop and nurture relational capabilities while dealing with growing stakeholder pressures. Moral motives strengthen top management commitment, which helps channel stakeholder pressures toward the proactive development of relational capabilities.Originality/valueThe paper fulfills a call for utilizing multiple theoretical lenses to examine complex SSCM phenomena and, ultimately, to create a coherent theory of SSCM.

In recent years, the interdisciplinary research of supply chains and sustainability has received extensive, yet gradual, attention; when compared to the rapid economic growth of the service industry, however, sustainable supply chain management has not been systematically explored yet. It has not only great theoretical significance, but also positive practical significance to provide a framework for the operation of a sustainable service supply chain from a sustainable development point of view. Based on the triple bottom line (TBL), we have analyzed related sustainable supply chain management research between 2006 and 2015, reviewed papers involving two or three bottom lines as well, and then introduced some classical frameworks for manufacturing supply chain management and service supply chain management. Afterward, by analyzing the differences between the manufacturing and service industries, we propose a framework of sustainable service supply chain management (SSSCM). Based on the impacts of sustainable development TBL on service supply chain participants, we have finally made a framework for sustainable operation facing triads service supply chain and proposed a future research agenda.

The shift toward sustainability in the manufacturing industry has led to the increasing adoption of circular economy (CE) principles to optimize sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). Traditional linear supply chains contribute to resource depletion, waste generation, and environmental degradation, necessitating a more resilient and resource-efficient approach. Integrating CE principles into SSCM presents opportunities to enhance waste minimization, resource recovery, and economic viability, yet challenges remain in terms of implementation, scalability, and regulatory compliance. This study aims to assess the role of CE in optimizing SSCM within the manufacturing industry by examining how closed-loop production, remanufacturing, and product lifecycle extension contribute to economic, environmental, and operational efficiency. Using a qualitative systematic literature review, this research analyzes studies from peer-reviewed journals, industry reports, and policy documents published in the last five years. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify key drivers, challenges, and best practices in implementing CE within SSCM frameworks. The findings indicate that CE-driven SSCM significantly improves waste reduction, resource optimization, and cost efficiency. Strategies such as reverse logistics, eco-design, and digital innovations (e.g., blockchain and IoT) play a crucial role in minimizing environmental impact while maintaining profitability. However, regulatory barriers, technological limitations, and high initial investment costs remain significant obstacles to widespread adoption. The successful integration of CE principles into SSCM requires cross-sector collaboration, technological advancements, and supportive policy frameworks. By fostering data-driven decision-making and circular business models, companies can enhance economic resilience, sustainability, and long-term competitiveness in the manufacturing industry. Future research should focus on scalability strategies, performance assessment metrics, and policy interventions to strengthen SSCM practices and promote a more sustainable industrial ecosystem

The shift toward sustainability in the manufacturing industry has led to the increasing adoption of circular economy (CE) principles to optimize sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). Traditional linear supply chains contribute to resource depletion, waste generation, and environmental degradation, necessitating a more resilient and resource-efficient approach. Integrating CE principles into SSCM presents opportunities to enhance waste minimization, resource recovery, and economic viability, yet challenges remain in terms of implementation, scalability, and regulatory compliance. This study aims to assess the role of CE in optimizing SSCM within the manufacturing industry by examining how closed-loop production, remanufacturing, and product lifecycle extension contribute to economic, environmental, and operational efficiency. Using a qualitative systematic literature review, this research analyzes studies from peer-reviewed journals, industry reports, and policy documents published in the last five years. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify key drivers, challenges, and best practices in implementing CE within SSCM frameworks. The findings indicate that CE-driven SSCM significantly improves waste reduction, resource optimization, and cost efficiency. Strategies such as reverse logistics, eco-design, and digital innovations (e.g., blockchain and IoT) play a crucial role in minimizing environmental impact while maintaining profitability. However, regulatory barriers, technological limitations, and high initial investment costs remain significant obstacles to widespread adoption. The successful integration of CE principles into SSCM requires cross-sector collaboration, technological advancements, and supportive policy frameworks. By fostering data-driven decision-making and circular business models, companies can enhance economic resilience, sustainability, and long-term competitiveness in the manufacturing industry. Future research should focus on scalability strategies, performance assessment metrics, and policy interventions to strengthen SSCM practices and promote a more sustainable industrial ecosystem.

System dynamics modeling for sustainable supply chain management: A literature review and systems thinking approach

Supply chain management (SCM) increasingly needs to address both climate change mitigation and adaptation issues. While mitigation aims at sustainability by reducing the environmental impact of supply chains (SCs), adaptation entails improving resilience by increasing the ability to cope with climate-induced disruptions. Although sustainable SCM (SSCM) and resilient SCM (RSCM) are of increasing importance, there has been little effort to conceptually connect SSCM and RSCM. Our study explores the interconnections between both concepts by outlining theoretical elements and conducting a case study of four companies in the automotive SC based on company documents and interviews. Results show that SSCM is prioritised over RSCM. We furthermore highlight trade-offs and overlaps between the elements of SSCM and RSCM, which can be valuable for decision-makers, and introduce two enabling factors: transparency and diversity. We present a novel theoretical SCM framework that integrates both resilience and sustainability perspectives and make propositions for future research.

Metal industry in China is characterized by high energy consumption, pollution and emissions. This paper established a conceptual framework of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) for metal industry sustainable development. Content analysis of sustainability reports was applied to make empirical research, focusing on the top 10 Chinese metal companies. Findings indicate that the majority of large Chinese metal companies are aware of SSCM, but the concept of SSCM needs to be further spread in Chinese metal industry. Four strategies of SSCM adopted by the leading metal companies include green procurement and supplier sustainability management, low-carbon logistics, green manufacturing, and green marketing. Findings provide a successful paradigm for other metal companies to follow sustainable development.

Supply chain management (SCM) increasingly needs to address both climate change mitigation and adaptation issues. While mitigation aims at sustainability by reducing the environmental impact of supply chains (SCs), adaptation entails improving resilience by increasing the ability to cope with climate-induced disruptions. Although sustainable SCM (SSCM) and resilient SCM (RSCM) are of increasing importance, there has been little effort to conceptually connect SSCM and RSCM. Our study explores the interconnections between both concepts by outlining theoretical elements and conducting a case study of four companies in the automotive SC based on company documents and interviews. Results show that SSCM is prioritised over RSCM. We furthermore highlight trade-offs and overlaps between the elements of SSCM and RSCM, which can be valuable for decision-makers, and introduce two enabling factors: transparency and diversity. We present a novel theoretical SCM framework that integrates both resilience and sustainability perspectives and make propositions for future research.

The escalating demand for items and their consumption has exerted immense pressure on industrial production and supply chain systems, leading to adverse environmental and societal consequences. The rise in pollution rates and ecological disasters resulting from industrial production has prompted numerous scholars and industry specialists to focus on Sustainable Production and Consumption matters within the framework of Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM). The interest in sustainable supply chain management has significantly increased in recent years, spanning both business and academic sectors. This phenomenon is seen in the growing prevalence of papers, conferences, specialized periodicals, and websites exclusively focused on the subject matter. Nevertheless, the importance of sustainable development in developing economies has only just started to be acknowledged. This literature review aims to assess existing research on sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) in developing nations while considering a worldwide perspective. This paper thoroughly examines the rapid expansion of the subject from an evolutionary perspective; aimed at comprehending the progression of sustainability concerns by examining patterns across different industries, and economies, and employing diverse approaches. An extensive thematic analysis was conducted on 56 selected publications published between 2010 and 2023, emphasizing the growth and significance of the knowledge base. The analysis is conducted utilizing a descriptive and content-oriented methodology. Subsequently, the results are presented, demonstrating an increasing interest in Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM). Nevertheless, there is a conspicuous discrepancy in the extent of research carried out on this subject in emerging economies as opposed to industrialized ones. The findings indicate that the context in less developed countries plays a crucial role in carrying out empirical or case study research. Moreover, it is crucial to analyze how the integration of the three dimensions of sustainability impacts the efficiency of the supply chain, especially when considering the perspective of an emerging economy. Hence, the limitations of this investigation are delineated. Ultimately, it is crucial to do further research from multiple angles within the supply chain, encompassing collaboration, sustainable practices, innovation, sourcing, and supplier growth, with a special emphasis on the position and background of rising countries.

Objective: The aim of the research is the bibliometric analysis of the studies on "Sustainable Supply Chain Management" in the Web of Science (WoS) database. Theoretical Framework: In the study, a research was conducted in the selected categories in the WoS database on the keywords identified in the field of sustainable supply chain. Method: The visual analysis of the results was supported by the VoS viewer software. In the research, the period of 1975-March 2024 was taken into consideration as the date range and 484 studies were conducted. Results and Discussion: The most studies were conducted in the Management category with 68.59%. The study with the highest citation is “From A Literature Review To A Conceptual Framework For Sustainable Supply Chain Management” by Seuring, S. and Müller, M. in 2008. The country that supports the studies the most is the USA; the institution that contributes the most is the University of Kassel and the most productive source of published studies is Supply Chain Management an international Journal. Research İmplication: In order to guide those who will conduct detailed studies in the field of sustainable supply chain, keywords and the most cited publications in the field were examined. Originalityt/Value: It creates a roadmap for those who will work in the field by revealing the most popular and up-to-date information made in the specified date range under the title of “Sustainable Supply Chain Management”.

This study reviews the existing approaches and frameworks on sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). Theories from other fields including quality management, supply chain management, and management (stakeholder theory and institutional theory) are explored to identify their contribution to theory development in SSCM. Drawing upon these theories an organizational framework for SSCM is developed with an integrated theoretical perspective. Based on the developed framework and supporting theories, testable research models are proposed for future testing and theory building. The proposed organizational framework integrates a quality management framework and SSCM practices within the umbrella of the organizational profile emphasizing instrumental motives, relational motives, and moral motives. The proposed organizational framework provides a comprehensive overview on the functioning mechanism at an organizational level. The proposed organizational framework results in positive research models that provide future research directions and suggestions relevant to industry.

In 2009, Greenpeace launched an aggressive campaign against Nestle, accusing the organization of driving rainforest deforestation through its palm oil suppliers. The objective was to damage the brand image of Nestle and, thereby, force the organization to make its supply chain more sustainable. Prominent cases such as these have led to the prevailing view that sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) is primarily reactive and propelled by external pressures. This research, in contrast, assumes that SSCM can contribute positively to the reputation of an organization as a “good citizen” and, thereby, counter the impression that external stakeholder pressure is the only driver of SSCM. The study draws on Resource Dependence Theory in analyzing the three competing models of the potential stakeholder, SSCM and the corporate sustainability performance relationship. A dataset of 1,621 organizations allows the statistical comparison of these three models. Findings suggest that stakeholder pressure and SSCM both contribute to an organization’s sustainability performance. Thus, supply chain managers will perceive benefits from SSCM other than merely the reduction of risk from reputational damage through stakeholder activism.

This study examines the synergistic interaction between technology-driven digitalization and circular economy principles in enhancing sustainable supply chain performance among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Rather than examining digital technologies in isolation, we adopt an integrative systems perspective that conceptualizes digitalization as a multi-layered ecosystem comprising sensing (Internet of Things), intelligence (Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics), verification (Blockchain), and coordination (Digital Collaboration Capability) layers. Through empirical analysis of 168 Tunisian SMEs across manufacturing and service sectors, this paper investigates the indirect impact of these complementary digital capabilities on sustainable supply chain performance, mediated by three dimensions of circular economy integration: waste reduction, resource efficiency, and sustainable design. The results indicate that digitalization has a positive influence on both environmental and economic performance, operating indirectly through the adoption of circular economy practices. By enhancing transparency, traceability, and operational efficiency, digital innovations reinforce circular economy practices, which consequently promote greater resilience and sustainability in supply chains. Sub-dimensional analyses reveal technology-specific mechanisms: IoT most strongly enables resource efficiency, AI and BDA drive waste reduction, Blockchain facilitates sustainable design, and Digital Collaboration Capability exhibits balanced effects across all circular dimensions. These findings underscore the critical role of integrated technological ecosystems, rather than isolated technology adoptions, in advancing sustainable supply chain management, particularly in resource-constrained SME contexts.

Background – The importance of sustainability in supply chain management has grown significantly, drawing global attention to sustainable practices across various industries. The halal logistics sector must also consider how to incorporate sustainability into its operations. Effective integration of sustainability into halal logistics and supply chain management (HLSCM) is vital to meet global sustainability objectives and to maintain practices that are environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable. Purpose – This research aims to address the key themes and gaps in integrating sustainability practices that encompass environmental, economic, and social dimensions by systematically reviewing the literature on sustainability in HLSCM Design/methodology/approach – This research utilizes a systematic literature review approach. Articles were sourced from the Scopus database, focusing on research published in the Journal of Islamic Marketing (JIMA) from 2011 to 2024. Keywords used included 'halal logistics' and 'halal supply chain.' The data collection involved indexing relevant publications and analyzing 41 articles. Thematic analysis was employed to quantify key themes, while content analysis was used to synthesize the information and identify research gaps. Findings – The review reveals a notable increase in publications focusing on sustainability in HLSCM, particularly emphasizing sustainable production, cost optimization, and promoting ethical practices. However, it highlights several key gaps that form the research purpose: a fragmented approach where studies often address sustainability dimensions (environmental, economic, and social) in isolation and the underexplored role of emerging technologies such as blockchain and IoT in enhancing sustainability within HLSCM. These gaps indicate a need for more integrated and holistic approaches to sustainability in halal logistics and supply chain management. Research limitations – The study is limited by the scope of articles reviewed, such as database and publication period restrictions may not cover all aspects of HLSCM. Furthermore, the rapidly evolving nature of technologies such as blockchain and IoT means their potential impacts may not be fully captured in the existing literature. Originality/value – The originality of this research lies in identifying the fragmented approach to sustainability in HLSCM and the underexplored potential of emerging technologies like blockchain and IoT. This study provides valuable insights for future research and practical applications in integrating comprehensive sustainability practices in halal supply chains by addressing these gaps.

Facing the challenges of globalisation and unpredictable shocks, manufacturers seek novel methods to maintain the sustainability of their supply chains. Adopting Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies facilitates sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) with the precise decision-making of supply chain activities and the realisation of circular development. However, according to the bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review of articles related to “SSCM”, few frameworks with I4.0 technologies are found to empower SSCM under circular economy (CE) logic. Thus, this article proposes a conceptual framework of I4.0 technologies-embedded SSCM, which takes advantage of five kinds of emerging digital technologies, including cloud services, artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics (BDA), blockchain technology (BT), and internet of things (IoT). The CAB2IN framework is based on the technologies mentioned above alongside the design, manufacturing, delivering, using, and end-of-life stages of products and services to meet the requirements of reducing material usage, remanufacturing, reusing, and recycling. This paper's contribution lies in indicating the trends of SSCM in the era of Industry 4.0 and proposing CAB2IN to creatively establish the virtual side of circular SSCM, which leverages the data generated in each stage to assist sustainable decision-making. CAB2IN illuminates several research directions for future studies of digitalised SSCM under the perspective of CE. The case of Company S illustrates the application of CAB2IN in the healthcare supply chain. This paper also summarises insightful directions of digitalised SSCM under the proposed circular framework.