Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Abstract

The use of sustainable supply chain management practices allows companies to increase their revenues, while still balancing the triple bottom line of sustainability, which covers economic, environmental, and social concerns. Companies are looking to enhance their environmental performance by using sustainable supply chain management practices. The effect of supply chains on the environment cannot be understated. Numerous studies have been conducted investigating different facets of supply chain practices. However, research on sustainable supply chain management frameworks is fragmented, providing little or no guidance to practitioners. Thus, there is still a need for the provision of a comprehensive framework for optimizing the environmental impact of production and distribution processes. The overall objective of this study was to identify existing frameworks and propose a framework to guide practitioners and academics. A systematic literature review and meta-analytical methodology were applied. The analysis considered 92 articles. The study specifically used content analysis. A comprehensive sustainable supply chain management framework was developed from the eight practices that were derived and categorized. Emerging sustainable supply chain management practices such as green procurement, reverse logistics and cooperative with customers have been included in the framework. This sustainable supply chain management framework provides a guide to supply chain managers about which practices to focus on. Future research should study the barriers of implementing sustainable supply chain management practices.