Circular Supply Chain Management Research Articles

Circular supply chain management with blockchain integration

Circular supply chain management with blockchain integration

Transitioning the apparel supply chain to circular economy: a quantitative approach

This paper aims at exploring the potential of implementing circular economy in global supply chains, from the economic and environmental perspectives. The scientific community has revealed a growing interest in deepening the topic of global circular supply chain management, although literature based on quantitative studies is almost scant. This paper aims at filling some significant gaps by demonstrating that a transition to a circular supply chain not just leads to savings of emissions and natural resources, but it is also a driver to boost profitability. To this purpose, a real-life case-study of a global supply chain in the apparel industry has been modelled and simulations are conducted to quantitatively evaluate the benefits of three different circular supply chains implementing Reuse, Remanufacture and recycled processes over a traditional linear configuration. Results are obtained through a robust design of experiments and are validated via ANOVA test. According to the findings, a circular supply chain configuration can boost profitability by more than 5%, reducing at the same time the consumption of environmental resources by more than 10%.

Identifying effective signaling approaches for remanufacturing

Remanufacturing is a typical circular mode, but the sales of remanufactured products remain limited. Learning from manufacturers, remanufacturers have undertaken various circular supply chain management (CSCM) efforts to improve products' quality, delivery and service, and at the same time they have set up shops on online platforms to enhance their product sales. Meanwhile, online platforms offer diverse signaling approaches that can reflect remanufacturers' CSCM operational performance, including the average product rating by former customers that reflects products' quality, the product-featured label by a platform that reflects products' quality and delivery, and related commitments from remanufacturers that reflect products' quality and service. However, it remains unclear how online signaling approaches reflecting remanufacturers' CSCM operational performance impact product sales. Grounded in signaling theory and using 564 sales data from 48 remanufacturers and 13 manufacturers on Amazon.com, this study reveals that both the average product rating and the product-featured label, which reflect remanufacturers' CSCM operational performance in products' quality and delivery, are positively correlated with remanufacturers' product sales. However, in comparison to manufacturers, the positive effect of average product ratings is weaker for remanufacturers. In addition, related commitments released by remanufacturers, reflecting their CSCM operational performance in products' quality and service, have a negative impact on product sales. Interestingly, when remanufacturers achieve a higher average product rating or receive the “Amazon's Choice” label, their commitments have an insignificant impact on product sales, in contrast to manufacturers that experience a negative effect.

Supply chain management mitigation to climate change in three selected industrial sectors

Abstract As the world economy is growing and globalisation is on the rise, climate change and its effects on the planet Earth are also increasing. But climate changes do not disturb only nature; they also affect businesses and their supply chains. Many companies have recently recognised the positive impacts of green and circular supply chain management practices. Supply chains that deliver products from around the world are increasingly exposed to the impacts of a changing climate and scarce resources. In this research, it was determined how climate change impacts supply chains in the food, automobile, and energy industry sectors. Furthermore, we wanted to find out if and how the management of supply chains is altered to adapt to the business environment which is more and more affected by environmental changes.

How to enhance circular supply chains? Aligning R-imperatives, uncertainty management and sustainability

PurposeOperationalizing R-imperatives in firms is seen as vital to bolstering circularity through reduce, reuse and recycle and building circular supply chains (CSCs). However, this process introduces various uncertainties to firms within CSCs. This is a gap that still requires an in-depth analysis, particularly to answer the question of how firms align the operationalization of R-imperatives with uncertainty management to improve sustainability performance and accelerate the transition toward CSCs.Design/methodology/approachThis paper fills this gap through a multiple-case study, whereby nine firms from varying structures, regions and manufacturing industries were examined. Qualitative content analysis was employed to examine the collected primary (27 semi-structured interviews) and secondary data (internal management reports, publicly available corporate reports and website content).FindingsThe findings support the evidence that the operationalization of R-imperatives is not a straightforward process. Within-firm and SC uncertainties largely emerged and made the building of CSCs complex. Consequently, strategies aimed at reducing uncertainty were paramount to managing uncertainties and enhancing sustainability performance. For instance, implementing durable or modular designs helped firms easily reuse, repair and recycle products. In turn, firms achieved material efficiency and contributed to extending the life cycle of products.Practical implicationsThis paper explains how firms can align R-imperatives operationalization with uncertainty management to improve sustainability performance and enhance CSCs. Accordingly, firms should complement R-imperatives operationalization with proactive uncertainty management and an assessment of all environmental, economic and social sustainability dimensions.Originality/valueThis paper fills a critical gap in circular supply chain management literature by unveiling its linkage with uncertainty management and sustainability performance. Empirical insights from nine firms within CSCs are provided to guide scholars and managers interested in implementing R-imperatives.

Evolving trajectories of circular supply chain domain: a citation path analysis

PurposeThe enormous amount of waste generated and the scarcity of natural resources worldwide have encouraged societies and industries to adopt the Circular Supply Chain (CSC) concept. With a focus on zero-waste generation, Circular Economy (CE) mimics the ecosystem cycle as an alternative to the traditional linear economic model. This paper aims to investigate the evolution of research themes in this research area, hence, trace the trajectory of development in the field of CSC.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conduct scientometric analysis using Pajek and VOSviewer software to identify key themes in the Circular Supply Chain Management (CSCM) field. The Citation Path Analysis (CPA), including Main Path and Local Path analysis, has been followed by a critical review of the papers. This paper includes highlighting the interrelationships between the information flows in the topic of study as well as an analysis of keywords co-occurrence.FindingsThe analysis of keywords co-occurrence revealed that the earlier years of research in CSC were more inclined toward value chain, stakeholders and green supply chains, whereas, in recent years, topics like logistics, Industry 4.0 and food supply chain have been more focused upon. Further, the Main Path Analysis (MPA) revealed an evolving trajectory that examines challenges and opportunities in CSC, the economic aspects of implementing CSC, the impact on the firm's revenue growth and collaboration between multiple echelons of a supply chain and Industry 4.0.Research limitations/implicationsThe adoption of scientometrics analysis unveils the hidden flow of information, various themes of research and their interconnections. The development of research trajectories and progressive attention paid to certain topics is also discovered. The research findings could be used by researchers for further theoretical and research development.Originality/valueThis paper traces the path of development in the field of CSC and its emerging trends and provides a thorough understanding of the same. It enables research scholars to conduct an in-depth study in the CSC domain, adding to the body of literature.

Advancing circular economy in industrial chemistry and environmental engineering: Principles, alignment with United Nations sustainable development goals, and pathways to implementation

This groundbreaking review explores the crucial role of the circular economy in industrial chemistry and environmental engineering. It surpasses a mere examination of principles and methods, delving into the profound significance and urgency of this transformative shift. By analyzing key elements such as resource efficiency, waste valorization, sustainable product design, industrial symbiosis, and policy integration, the study highlights the power of collaboration, technological advancements, and extensive literature research. It reveals the remarkable alignment between the circular economy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing how circular practices promote resource efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable production and consumption patterns, thus driving progress across multiple SDGs. With a specific focus on responsible consumption and production, clean energy, innovative industrial practices, climate action, ecosystem protection, water resource management, job creation, economic growth, sustainable urbanization, and collaboration, the review provides a comprehensive roadmap for adopting circularity. Its practical recommendations cover sustainable material selection, resource efficiency, closing loop, digitalization, and robust policy support. In addition, it emphasizes the paramount importance of collaboration, stakeholder engagement, education, capacity building, circular supply chain management, and effective policy frameworks in spearheading circular economy initiatives. Drawing inspiration from diverse circular economy models and compelling case studies in industrial chemistry, the study highlights the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, ensuring both sustainability and positive societal impact. This comprehensive review serves as a guiding light, demonstrating the immense potential of the circular economy in driving sustainable development. It offers actionable guidance for implementing circular practices, empowering professionals to make tangible contributions to a more sustainable future. Additionally, it serves as a foundational piece, fueling the advancement of knowledge, inspiring further research, and propelling remarkable progress in the ever-evolving fields of industrial chemistry and environmental engineering.

The Role of Entrepreneurship in Successfully Achieving Circular Supply Chain Management

The Role of Entrepreneurship in Successfully Achieving Circular Supply Chain Management

A fuzzy TOPSIS model for selecting digital technologies in circular supply chains

Several digital technologies are available to facilitate the transition toward a circular supply chain infrastructure. Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) should assess their readiness and measure their performance to select the most appropriate digital technology. This study explores how well-established digital technologies such as Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), the Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud Manufacturing (CM), and Big Data Analytics (BDA) impact circular supply chain infrastructure in SMEs. Questionnaires have been distributed to collect employees’ preferences concerning the circular supply chain management criteria (profit, innovation, sustainability, and optimization). The responses have been organized into three clusters using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). A fuzzy Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) technique is adopted to evaluate these technologies since it constitutes a reliable managerial tool when vagueness impacts the smooth operation of the supply chain. Results indicate the ranking order of the investigated digital technologies (CPS>IoT>CM>BDA) as well as the circular benefits and the supply chain attributes imparted upon implementing these technologies. Such benefits and attributes are provided to assess the impact of these digital technologies on a circular economy. Lastly, the perspective of the selection process affected by other factors, such as the enterprise’s extroversion level and its internal structure, are discussed.

Evaluating the Enablers of Green Entrepreneurship in Circular Economy: Organizational Enablers in Focus

In recent decades, green entrepreneurship has been at the center of attention as an effective strategy to maintain sustainability and create a competitive advantage for organizations in a circular economy. However, the successful implementation of this strategy requires organizations to have internal enablers. This study endeavored to identify and evaluate organizational enablers for green entrepreneurship in manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Iran. Identifying organizational enablers can help SMEs in facilitating the conditions for adopting green entrepreneurship. To these ends, organizational enablers were extracted by reviewing the literature and then, using the viewpoints of 17 active experts in different industries in SMEs, they were classified. In the next step, the “Best Worst Method” was employed to prioritize the identified enablers (5 factors) and sub-enablers (20 factors). The contextual hierarchical relationships between these factors were identified through the “Interpretive Structural Modeling” method. Using the Matrix of Cross-Impact Multiplications Applied to Classification (MICMAC) analysis, the driving and dependence powers of organizational enablers were computed and the enablers were clustered. Based on the results, among the five enablers, three including total quality management, circular supply chain management, and corporate social responsibility were the most important from the point of view of the experts. Moreover, among the sub-enablers, strategic planning, green purchasing, and corporate social responsibility motivation were more important than other sub-enablers. The results of ISM analysis provided a seven-level hierarchical model and the relationships between them. The results of the MICMAC analysis led to the clustering of 20 organizational enablers in three main clusters: driving (nine factors), linkage (four factors), and dependent (seven factors). The results of this study provide practical suggestions for active senior managers to implement green entrepreneurship in SMEs.

Circular supply chain management with blockchain technology: A dynamic capabilities view

Achieving a circular economy (CE) is considered one of the most significant challenges of our time, as environmental challenges and social discrepancies keep increasing. While companies need to transform their supply chains towards sustainability and circularity, implementing CE concepts into practice is not straightforward and requires technical and non-technical capabilities, referring to dynamic capabilities. One of the most promising digital technologies for improving sustainability and circularity is blockchain. However, the literature on relationships between blockchain technology (BCT), sustainability, and the CE is still in its infancy. This study illustrates how BCT can help implement circular supply chain management (CSCM) from a dynamic capabilities perspective. A multiple case study approach examines how BCT’s potential impacts CSCM. Building on the case evidence, necessary dynamic capabilities are deduced for successful CE implementations with BCT. The analysis demonstrates that supply chain traceability and related sensing capabilities are major benefits of BCT-driven CSCM. Thus, we contribute to theory by examining which dynamic capabilities need to be developed when realizing CSCM through BCT. The results indicate that the BCT potentials depend on the business model pointing to certain contingencies.

Causality of circular supply chain management in small and medium-sized enterprises using qualitative information: a waste management practices approach in Indonesia

AbstractCircular supply chain management (CSCM) is a promising way to achieve economic and environmental sustainability and address the waste problem. However, developing a fully circular supply chain system is costly and time-consuming, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs need to achieve better CSCM by implementing waste management practices. This study aims to (1) critically validate the hierarchical structure of CSCM for SMEs; (2) identify the causal interrelationships among the attributes; and (3) determine the practical attributes for SME improvement in Indonesia. An approach consisting of the fuzzy Delphi method (FDM), best worse method (BWM), and fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (FDEMATEL) is designed to fulfill the objectives of this study. The results show the hierarchical structure in CSCM implementation that benefit SMEs through performance improvement gains. Waste management practices and circular product design are causal aspects; in particular, waste management practices support SMEs in building CSCM as an alternative. The criteria to provide practical insights for CSCM in Indonesia are eco-design, sustainable product design, green technology, waste treatment capability, and designing for the environment.

Examining how government subsidies influence firms’ circular supply chain management: The role of eco-innovation and top management team

With increasing concerns about sustainability from policymakers, the industry, and the wider society, circular supply chain management (CSCM) has been recognized as an important route to achieving sustainability targets. However, adopting circular supply chain management faces challenges and uncertainty. How to leverage external and internal resources to enable firms' CSCM has become an increasingly prominent topic. Based on the resource-based view and upper echelons theory, this study examines how critical factors, i.e., eco-innovation and top management team (TMT)'s experience, impact the relationship between government subsidies and CSCM. By analyzing data of listed firms in China from 2011 to 2019, our empirical results show that eco-innovation mediates the relationship between subsidies and CSCM. Furthermore, the impact of subsidies on eco-innovation is mainly moderated by TMT with R&D experience, while the impact of eco-innovation on CSCM adoption is mainly moderated by TMT with environmental management experience and supply chain management experience. This study enriches the literature on CSCM and advances our understanding of the channel through which government subsidies affect firm decisions in CSCM.

Analysis of barriers to the adoption of circular supply chain management: a case study in the air conditioning industry

ABSTRACT Circular supply chain management (CSCM) is a process used to design the supply chain by recycling, remanufacturing or refurbishing, repairing, and reusing products However, no study has been encountered in the literature that analyzes CSCM barriers in the air conditioning sector. Hence, this study is aimed to investigate the barriers to CSCM adoption in the air conditioning industry. A case study was conducted on a company operating in the global air conditioning sector. Initially, literature review and expert opinions have been used to identify essential barriers. Later, 6 main barriers and 21 sub-barriers were ranked using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method based on the interval type-2 fuzzy sets. The findings indicate that “Regulatory” is the most crucial, and “Operational” is the least important main barrier. The findings of the study would be useful for practitioners and policymakers to focus on the most prominent barriers in the air conditioning supply chains.

Circular Supply Chain: Situation and Implementation Solutions For Agricultural Products in Vietnam

Circular supply chains are suitable for many economic sectors from agricultural to industrial products. Currently, some localities in Vietnam have initially applied the circular supply chain to agricultural products, thereby creating many value-added products. This paper uses qualitative approach and the desk research to review systematically theories and publications related to circular supply chain. In addition, interviews were conducted with farmers, firms and local authorities in agricultural farming areas in Vietnam such as Son La, Phu Tho, Ha Noi, Ha Nam, Can Tho, Tien Giang, Gia Lai for collecting information about current situation of agricultural supply chain according to fundamental components of a circular supply chain. Two case studies of Musa Pacta and Minh Tien were analyzed as representatives of current agricultural circular supply chain in Vietnam. Based on collected data and the two examples, the paper proposed recommendations to enhance circular supply chain management in various agricultural segments.

Product Lifecycle Information Flow in E-waste Handling: a Means to Increase Circularity?

Electronic waste (e-waste) is a growing waste stream. In Europe, e-waste is regulated by the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive. Each manufacturer or importer is responsible for the end-of-life (EoL) treatment of the equipment it handles, although this task is usually outsourced to producer responsibility organizations (PROs) that collect and treat the e-waste. The WEEE regime has been criticized for focusing on waste handling according to the traditional linear economy, while, in a circular economy, the goal is to eliminate waste. Information sharing helps improve circularity, and digital technology is seen as enabling information transparency and visibility in the supply chain. However, there is need for empirical studies demonstrating the use of information in supply chains to improve circularity. We conducted a case study of a manufacturer, including its subsidiaries and PROs in eight European countries, in which we investigated the product lifecycle information flow related to e-waste. Our findings indicate that product lifecycle information is available, but that it is provided for purposes other than e-waste handling. Actors are willing to share this information, but it is not regarded as useful for EoL treatment since the actors involved in EoL handling believe that using this information could lead to delays and poorer performance in e-waste handling. Our findings contradict the optimistic view of digital technology as improving circularity in circular supply chain management. The findings further give reason to question the implementation of digital technology to improve the product lifecycle information flow as long as the involved actors do not request this information.

Circular supply chain management: a bibliometric analysis-based literature review

PurposeSupply chain management (SCM) research has contributed to the transition to a circular economy (CE). Still, confusions exist on the related terms, and no review has mapped out the development trends in the domain. This research clarifies the boundaries of the relevant concepts. Then, it conducts a comprehensive review of the circular SCM (CSCM) literature and identifies opportunities for future research.Design/methodology/approachUsing relevant keywords, 1,130 journal articles published in December 31, 2021 were identified. Unlike the published reviews, which mainly relied on content analysis, this review uses bibliometric analysis tools, including citation analysis, co-citation analysis and cluster analysis. The review identifies general trends, influential researchers, high-impact publications, citation patterns and established and emergent research themes.FindingsThe extant CSCM literature includes five prominent clusters: (1) reverse channel optimization; (2) CSCM review and empirical studies; (3) closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) and consumers; (4) CLSC and inventory management and (5) CLSC and reverse logistics (RL). Significant research gaps exist in the use of secondary and longitudinal data, a wider range of theories, mixed-methods, multi-method, action research and behavioral experiment. The least researched topics include zero waste, industrial symbiosis, circular product design, sourcing and supply management and reuse.Originality/valueThis is the first bibliometric analysis-based literature review on CSCM. It clarifies the interrelated supply chain sustainability terms and thus reduces related confusion. It offers insights into the patterns in the CSCM literature and suggests important research directions.

Performance measurement system for circular supply chain management

Circular supply chain management is characterized by multiple interdependencies between various performance objectives for circularity, economic, environmental and social performance. A performance measurement system which takes these interdependencies into account is currently not available, however, is needed to identify effective actions, involve stakeholders and prevent unintended consequences of actions. The objective of this paper is to develop this performance measurement system. Using a methodology of multiple case studies, we identify the interdependencies between the various performance objectives and combine these in a causal loop diagram and a system dynamics model. We then evaluate the usability of these models in two companies which are in transition to circular supply chain management. The companies confirm the relevance of performance objectives, their interdependencies and the validity of the outputs. This results in the following contributions: Service lifetime - the time period of use, recovery and reuse until incineration - is as relevant to circularity as the much-mentioned product lifetime. The maturity of circularity follows four phases: virgin materials only, combination, recovered materials only, deterioration. Shortening the supply chain leads to a rebound effect and increases the environmental impact. The circular premium can relate to shareholders as well as to customers.

The Impact of Digital Technologies and Sustainable Practices on Circular Supply Chain Management

Background: This study investigates how firms can enhance the functionality of their circular supply chains (CSCs) by adopting a portfolio of sustainable practices as well as digital technologies to increase performance. It analyzes the benefits that firms can obtain when investing in specific technologies to boost the impact of technologies and sustainable practices on CSCs, and further increase performance. Methods: We test several hypotheses by using structural equation modeling as well as multi-group analysis to verify whether CSCs can be achieved through sustainable practices and technologies and improve the firms’ performance. Results: The empirical results partially support the research hypotheses. While the main research hypotheses are fully supported, the analysis of single digital technologies reveals that only a few solutions can contribute to both the management and the improvement of the CSC. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that the identification of green suppliers and ad hoc environmental regulations, combined with attention to the origin and provenance of raw materials, can promote a CSC. Moreover, transportation management systems (TMS) and the internet of things (IoT) are efficient technologies for managing transportation and product flow in the CSC. Furthermore, machine learning (ML) is effective in making positive green decisions, and 3D printing can extend product life.

Circular supply chain management using heuristic optimization and sliding mode control

Circular supply chain management using heuristic optimization and sliding mode control