Sustainable Consumption And Production Research Articles

Achieving Technological Transformation and Social Sustainability: An Industry 4.0 Perspective

In recent years, technological transformation such as Industry fourth revolution or Industry 4.0 (I4.0) has been a critical enabler of digital transformation (DT) and the potential way of business for sustainable development. I4.0 plays a vital role in a business, yet the relationship of digitalization with social sustainability performance (SSP) and sustainable consumption and production (SCP) is little known. Hence, this study examined the relationships between I4.0, “digital entrepreneurship” (DE), DT, SSP, and SCP. Data collected from Indian “microsmall and medium enterprises” were used to assess the proposed model. Research hypotheses were formulated from the previous literature and tested using “partial least-square structural equation modeling.” The empirical test includes confirmatory factor analysis, hypothesis testing, moderation, and multigroup analysis. The finding implies that DT is significantly attained by I4.0 in the manufacturing sector. Furthermore, results indicated that DT significantly impacted SCP and SSP. The study's findings also suggest that DE has substantial moderation effects on DT. Overall, these findings contribute to a well understanding of the significance of technological transformation in sustainable development. Furthermore, the study discussed the theoretical and managerial implications of the result, and future avenues of research were also highlighted.

Advancing Sustainability

This research focuses on sustainable consumption and production (SCP) to balance economic growth with ecological preservation. It assesses Greek consumers' attitudes, satisfaction, and knowledge about green products through questionnaires, analyzing the interplay of these factors in consumer satisfaction and highlighting the role of awareness in the green market. The study also compares these findings with Romanian consumer behavior to understand cultural and socioeconomic influences. Results show that positive attitudes towards green products and access to information significantly enhance consumer satisfaction, a trend consistent across different cultures. However, a lack of sustainability knowledge among youth presents an educational opportunity. The study advocates for strategic educational efforts to support SCP, emphasizing the need for well-informed product design, fair pricing, and clear communication to promote sustainable consumer habits, contributing to the broader SCP discourse and guiding future sustainable economy policies.

Sustainable Consumption and Production in the European Union—An Attempt to Assess Changes and Convergence from the Perspective of Central and Eastern European Countries

The aim of this paper is to attempt to assess changes in terms of sustainable consumption and production (SCP) in the European Union (EU), with particular emphasis on the countries of central and eastern Europe (CEE). So far, relatively little attention has been paid to the analysis of SCP in countries at different levels of development in the literature in this subject area. Even less attention has been paid to the study of the similarity of economies in this respect and the signs of convergence. The basis for assessment is the analysis of dispersion measures, cluster analysis, variance analysis and the construction of a synthetic index. The authors conclude that CEE countries are characterized by a relatively low level of development in terms of SCP compared to the rest of the EU. The signs of σ-convergence and β-convergence can only be identified in terms of “Average CO2 emissions per km from new passenger cars”. It is also the only indicator that significantly differentiates both analyzed clusters. In CEE countries, changes in other SCP indicators were mainly negative (increased adverse environmental impact), and the distance to other EU countries increased. The pandemic was conducive to σ-convergence in terms of “Generation of waste” and β-convergence in terms of “Circular material use rate”, but in 2021, the conditions of gradual easing of pandemic restrictions favored divergence in SCP indicators. The lack of convergence (while reducing the environmental impact) may be a serious problem in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the EU level. The above results were supplemented with a discussion on the causes of the observed situation and recommendations.

Identification of design parameters having implications on resource efficiency of buildings: evaluation of predesign options.

Responsible consumption and production is the 12th Goal of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) United Nations has adopted in 2015 as a target for 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The goal is targeted to be achieved through implementation of programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP). SCP is about doing more and better with less. It is also about decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation and increasing resource efficiency. Resource efficiency of predesign options of a new building can be evaluated through parametric study of the design. Researchers around the world have used different parameters in different studies. It is, therefore, of utmost importance to bring uniformity in studies. The present paper lists various parameters used so far and find correlation among them in order to reduce the number of parameters while applying data of five predesign options of a multi storied residential building in India. It found two distinct groups of 12 and 5 parameters that are highly correlated. Some of them can be discarded in future studies. It also finds the lower and upper boundary values of parameters of a building situated in warm and humid climatic zone which can be used while doing evaluation.

Unlocking the potential of sustainability: the influence of green innovation and supply chain management on corporate performance.

Businesses increasingly recognize the strategic advantage of adopting a green approach, especially in light of the world's growing interest in sustainable development. This strategy appeals to people because it can enhance economic success and ensure long-term sustainability. While there have been numerous studies examining the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on businesses, there is still a significant gap in knowledge regarding the links between CSR, sustainable consumption and production (SCP), green innovation (GI), and green supply chain management (GSCM), and how they collectively contribute to sustainability. This research addresses the gap by exploring the mediating role of GI and GSCM in the relationship between CSR and SCP in contemporary businesses. The study utilized partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the survey data collected from a sample of 486 managerial staff members. The findings reveal how CSR impacts SCP through the intermediary effects of GI and GSCM. Furthermore, this research contributes to the existing CSR literature by highlighting the potential benefits of CSR in generating value for the firm's performance. In light of these findings, it is recommended that small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adjust their strategies and operations to impact the environment, culture, and economy positively. This research underscores the need for a circular economy in GSCM to promote sustainability.

Overcoming barriers to implement digital technologies to achieve sustainable production and consumption in the food sector: A circular economy perspective

Food security and waste minimisation are the main concerns for the management of food supply chains (FSC), as >33 % of global food production is wasted or lost due to mismanagement. Stakeholders must address the ongoing issues, such as resource scarcity, climate change, waste creation etc. to create an environment conducive to sustainable production and consumption (SPC) and to promote economic sustainability. Resource efficiency and waste minimization are necessary for SPC in the FSC. Technologies from the Industry 4.0 era have demonstrated their ability to address these problems effectively. However, there are barriers to the adoption of digital technology because of internal or external issues. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the challenges faced by the food industry while applying digital technology to attain SPC. The current study has adopted an integrated methodology of Best-Worst-Method (BWM)-Level Based Weight Assessment (LBWA) and Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo) methods to analyse the barriers in implementing digital technologies to achieve SPC in FSC. Strategic measures to overcome these barriers are suggested. The BWM-LBWA-CoCoSo technique is used for the first time in this study to evaluate the barriers and determine the most effective strategies. According to the BWM-LBWA research, “organisational barriers” are the main impediment to the adoption of digital technology for SPC in the FSC. According to CoCoSo findings, the best way to overcome the major barriers is to “focus on improving commitment from senior management towards SPC.” The study gives decision-makers information about the major barriers in utilizing advanced digital technology to achieve SPC in FSC.

Policy Tools and Supporting Role of Standards for Sustainable Consumption and Production

The identified need for a holistic policy to promote Sustainable consumption and production (SCP), as well as the lack of design of appropriate tools for future application in the Bulgarian context, determine the main focus of the study. The role of standards as voluntary (“soft”) policies and the presented typology reveal the deficit of research related to identification of standards applicable in the different categories of SPC policy tools. The presented research is directed to the identification of existing tools and standards that can influence SCP patterns, as well as to the categorization and ranking according to their relative importance by applying the approach of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The analysis based on the consistent application of different descriptive, qualitative and quantitative methods identifies a variety of SCP tools and standards. This paper discusses the results of a prioritizing process, divided into three categories: six administrative tools, five economic tools and four information tools. The calculation of global and local weights at three hierarchical levels allowed an analysis of the possibilities for their application in the national context. The results showed the advantage of the designated economic tools, followed by the administrative and information tools. The findings offer a systematic approach to transition from the existing “mosaic” of policy elements to a coherent SCP policy in the Bulgarian economic and social context.

Halving food waste generation by 2030: The challenges and strategies of monitoring UN sustainable development goal target 12.3

This paper examines the challenges in monitoring target 12.3 of United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) under the SDG 2030 17 significant goals. SDG 12 focuses on ensuring production and consumption patterns are sustainable. Target 12.3 aims to reduce food waste by 50% at the retail and consumption stage and food loss at the production stage, including post-harvest losses, by 2030. With the help of SDG reports, an extensive literature review and expert opinions, 14 challenges were selected and hybrid multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) was applied. The first phase obtained the inter-relationship between the challenges using interpretive structural modeling (ISM). The second phase included quantification and ranking of the challenges using fuzzy AHP methodology. Probable strategies to overcome these challenges in emerging economies are discussed and ranked using the VIKOR methodology in the third phase, as no single approach can combat all the obstacles. This is the first to examine the challenges and possibilities of monitoring UN SDG target 12.3 in emerging economies like India. The results indicate that data availability, education in sustainable consumption and production (SCP) patterns, financing of SDG targets and data use are the main obstacles to monitoring and achieving target 12.3.

Sustainable procurement in construction and the realisation of the sustainable development goal (SDG) 12

As the major consumer of resources and energy, the construction industry has been at the heart of the debate on sustainable development. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide the overarching guidance for the construction industry to promote sustainable development from environmental, social, and economic dimensions. Moreover, sustainable consumption and production (SCP) are highlighted in the SDG 12, while Sustainable Procurement (SP) focuses on promoting sustainable development through procurement processes and decisions. However, little has been written about how the construction industry could turn the challenges of SP into opportunities that promotes procurement practices in accordance with national policies and priorities. This study examines the drivers and challenges on the adoption of sustainable procurement in construction and how it impacts the achievement of SDG 12. The quantitative approach using questionnaires identified the drivers and barriers to SP implementation in construction and the SP practices contributing to the realisation of SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production). The results confirmed that the construction industry should play a significant role in achieving the SDGs and show that construction SP practices contribute to the realisation of 9 of the SDG 12 targets. The results also suggested that governments should play a more active role in partnership with industry stakeholders and that the social and economic dimensions of sustainability deserve more attention. The value of this study is to provide construction industry stakeholder an insight into the drivers and challenges of SP and how to turn SP challenges into opportunities by adopting initiatives that consider the environmental, social, and economic impact of all procurement decisions. It also highlights the important role of the construction industry towards the realisation of the SDGs, particularly the significance of SP practices in the construction industry to the achievement of SDG 12.

Fostering Green Finance for Sustainable Development: A Focus on Textile and Leather Small Medium Enterprises in Pakistan

The green financing landscape in Pakistan is evolving, which signifies the need for a comprehensive gap analysis that examines the present status and constraints in supporting green finance in the country. Textile and leather industries are key sectors in Pakistan’s economy and rely heavily on small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Excessive resource use and inadequate environmental management methods pose a significant danger to the sectors’ long-term viability and account for an extreme relevance to the embracement of the circular economy paradigm. Green finance aims to ensure that economic process, safeguarding the environment, and maintaining environmental integrity all grow together. This research used a literature review and interview-based methodology (in which we interviewed more than 20 people representing SME operators, government officials, and banking staff) to examine SME finance, green banking, and demand and supply side constraints to cleaner/sustainable manufacturing in Pakistan’s leather and textile sectors. The research findings show that policy uncertainty and financial short-termism are economic impediments and obstacles that constitute a path-dependent, lock-in, non-linear mechanism. This study found a lack of tailored business advisory and financing for SMEs to learn about and invest in sustainable consumption and production (SCP). Furthermore, many banks in Pakistan also show a strong commitment to the expansion of the State Bank of Pakistan’s Green Banking Guidelines (GBGs). The results also highlight the high value of government assistance for businesses participating in green initiatives and incentives for banking institutions and private limited companies to support and invest in green practices.

Reporting Sustainable Development Goal 12 in the Spanish food retail industry. An analysis based on Global Reporting Initiative performance indicators

AbstractCompanies play a significant role in addressing the challenges of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and sustainability reporting is a strategic tool for decision making and impact disclosure. This study assesses food retailers' contribution to SDG 12, its targets and its business themes as a way to examine their level of engagement with sustainable consumption and production (SCP). Specifically, we measure Spanish food retailing companies' SDG 12 disclosures under Global Reporting Initiative standards. To this end, we develop a scoring system based on the compulsory disclosure requirements. Our findings show that, in general terms, food retailers perform poorly in communicating their SDG 12 achievements. Companies mainly focus on internal actions aimed at decreasing environmental impact and disclose very few actions linked to the circular economy and responsible consumption. In terms of SCP, these findings suggest that food retailers are more committed to sustainable production than to enhancing sustainable consumption.

A Systems Thinking Approach towards Single-Use Plastics Reduction in Food Delivery Business in Thailand

Sustainable consumption and production (SCP) is largely influenced by dynamics in the market system. Hence, this study adopts the systems thinking approach as a tool to understand the non-linearity and complexity of sustainable practices. The food delivery business has accelerated the plastic waste problem, especially during COVID-19 where restaurant dine-in was limited. This study aims to identify high leverage points, which contribute to system intervention strategies to improve Thailand’s single-use plastics (SUP) waste situation caused by the food delivery sector. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with relevant stakeholders (n = 14). A qualitative system dynamics model analysis and thematic analysis suggest that the key leverage points include (1) benefit alignment among all stakeholders, (2) cost minimization and profit maximization, (3) laws and regulations, (4) postconsumption waste management systems, and (5) research and development. In addition, to stimulate policy initiatives, this study suggests that system intervention strategies should include behavioral instruments (setting default and eco-labelling), market-based instruments (green-packaging procurement and subsidies), and system and infrastructure provision (waste management systems and deposit return models). Partnerships, research and development, and laws and regulations are proposed as supporting measures.

Circular economy adoption challenges in the food supply chain for sustainable development

AbstractFood loss and waste are major issues in the food industry, and they affect all stages of the food supply chain (FSC). Food loss and waste are linked to environmental deterioration, economic loss, and an increase in hunger. Therefore, the food industry requires sustainable consumption and production (SCP) to reduce losses and waste. The circular economy (CE) concept has become a popular strategy for reducing food waste and boosting sustainability. Therefore, with efficient reverse logistics in the FSC, food producers can help achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) like SCP and zero hunger. In literature, minimal research has been available in identifying the CE adoption challenges in FSC. This research identifies 15 critical challenges from the literature and discussion with the panel of experts. The relationship between the challenges has been established through an interpretive structural modeling (ISM) technique. The challenges were characterized in cause–effect according to their relational intensity obtained using the grey decision‐making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique. Grey's relational theory is applied in DEMATEL to minimize uncertainty and vagueness of the expert judgment. The findings of this study suggest that creating policy from the government, providing incentives, and strictly enforcing environmental regulations are the most critical challenge. Hence, by focusing on the above, the effective adoption of the CE principle is achieved. This result also suggests that by addressing the challenges of CE, corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be performed. This study provides some recommendations for the practitioners to adopt CE towards sustainable development targets.

Promotion and Uptake of Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) Practices among Kenyan MSMEs: Key Learnings

This article analyses and assesses the integration of sustainable consumption and production (SCP) practices in the horticultural production of Kenyan micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) within the framework of the EU Switch Africa Green project ‘Green Horticulture at Lake Naivasha’ (GOALAN) in the Lake Naivasha basin, Kenya. The aim of the study is to understand what facilitates and hinders the uptake of SCP practices. Using qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, this article is based on a case study approach. The study looked into (1) 158 MSMEs (project beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries) regarding their adoption and implementation of SCP practices, as well as their encountered challenges, opportunities, and evidenced outcomes; and (2) five ‘best practice’ case studies from the project beneficiary group. Findings indicate some key factors influencing the decision of MSMEs to adopt and implement SCP practices. These factors encompass access to SCP know-how, the identification of potential benefits, access to specialized and reliable markets, access to finance, and access to infrastructure. Based on the findings, the study suggests that to promote the uptake and long-term implementation of SCP practices by horticultural MSMEs, it is key to build the capacity of MSMEs, improve financial capacity to invest in SCP measures, enhance access to markets through establishing new linkages with buyers and customers, and enable infrastructure.

An Investigation Approach for Assessing Challenges to Sustainable Consumption and Production Practices in the Leather Goods Industry

Sustainable consumption and production (SCP) practices in the leather goods industry is a new trend in the developing and developed countries and it is becoming more popular by the day. It is essential to introduce SCP practices for the production in the sub-sector of leather products in Bangladesh. The relevance of SCP activities to the leather goods industry is emphasized in this article. The previous work emphasised other industrial fields. Results reveal that the lack of technological up-gradation, lack of customer attitude and behaviour towards SCP, lack of incentives for/motivation of business organizations, lack of top management commitment, support, dedication and involvement, and customers who are attracted towards cheap products come under causal group challenges, which can help the decision makers formulate a policy for a successful implementation of SCP practices that will help achieve sustainable development goals.

Do geologic hazards affect the sustainability of rural development? Evidence from rural areas in China

Recently, rural depopulation and environmental damage caused by natural disasters have seriously affected sustainable rural development (SRD). Sustainable consumption and production (SCP), as the focus of sustainable development goals (SDGs), plays a critical role in agricultural development and rural economy. To determine whether geological hazards have an impact on rural development, this study developed a two-stage parallel-series network DEA model for assessing the sustainability of high-, medium-, and low-risk areas. The model combined radial and non-radial measurements to account for the non-proportional changes in inputs and outputs. Due to the fuzziness of loss magnitude and the randomness of disaster frequency, fuzzy random variables were employed to characterize economic losses. The model was applied to a case study in high-altitude rural mountainous areas of southwest China during 2016 to 2018. It was found that the impact of geological hazards on SRD was spatially heterogeneous; that is, the degree of impact depends on the socioeconomic development rather than risk magnitude. Assessing the sustainability of SRD required complete identification and classification of area types. In addition, geological hazards would seriously affect the sustainability of the rural areas, especially in areas with less developed transportation and remote terrain. Compared with the sustainable production (SP) stage, the sustainable consumption (SC) stage could generate more economic value.

Shifting Systematically Towards Sustainable Consumption and Production: A Solution Framework to Overcome the Impacts of Covid-19

The threats like increasing pollution level and scarcity of natural resources are showing that Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) is one of the key solutions and the main contributor driver of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Eventually, a mysterious disease named as COVID-19 started spreading very fast around the globe and it was declared a pandemic. To protect citizens from this pandemic, the government announced complete lockdown in the country. This lockdown due to COVID-19 has put its impact on every aspect of life. In this research study, the efforts have been made to identify various impacts of COVID-19 on SCP practices and propose various solutions to overcome these impacts of COVID-19. In the Indian perspective, a total fifteen impacts of COVID-19 under five different heads along with eighteen solutions to overcome these impacts have been identified with the help of literature, various reports and experts’ inputs. All these impacts and solutions were analyzed using a hybrid framework. Results revealed that COVID-19 majorly put its impact on nation, business and behavior followed by the impact on society and environment. All these impacts can be overcome by adopting solutions like strong and clear policies formation and its implementation, financial packages to industries to boost up the economy, firm determination of top management, safety of the workforce and tax reduction on sustainable products. The final results will be very helpful for all the actors focused on SCP.

Analysis of fundamental human needs sufficiency by a product based on satisfiers and barriers

The sustainable development goals, adopted in 2015, include achievement of sustainable consumption and production (SCP) patterns as the 12th goal. To achieve SCP patterns, it is necessary not only to reduce environmental load caused by production and manufacturing but also to improve the sufficiency of fundamental human needs and the quality of life of consumers. The living-sphere approach aims to design products for a target living-sphere by determining the sufficiency of fundamental human needs among local residents through products using the fundamental human needs framework proposed by Max-Neef. This framework consists of fundamental human needs and satisfiers. Max-Neef argued that fundamental human needs are universal, but satisfiers fulfilling these fundamental human needs depend on region, culture, and time. In order to design products from the viewpoint of satisfying fundamental human needs, this study models the relationship between products, satisfiers and barriers, and analyzes how a product satisfies fundamental human needs. In a case study, we selected Japan as a target region and a kotatsu as an example. The result shows a possibility for an evaluation of sufficiency of fundamental human needs through the model.

Evolution and Current Challenges of Sustainable Consumption and Production

This review paper examines the past, present, and future of sustainable consumption and production (SCP). The history of the Sustainable Development Goal No. 12 (i.e., to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns) is presented and analyzed. A definition of the sustainable consumption is given and the role of education is explained. The present status and existing trends of SCP are introduced by analyzing unsustainable behavior and the existing dilemma, namely sustainable growth or degrowth. A very broad range of methods is used for measuring and evaluating SCP within sustainable development. To forecast the future of SCP, important trends are presented. The future development of SCP will follow several megatrends and it will require reduced personal and collective consumption (degrowth). Energy usage in buildings, renewable energy sources, and energy storage will be important in that respect. Transportation emissions will continue to be lowered. Waste, especially food waste, shall be reduced, and consumer products shall become more durable. All waste must be collected and separated to be reused. SPC is elaborated in view of the two approaches—Industry 4.0 (smart factory), and the “Sixth Wave” evolution. Net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, resource efficiency, and zero waste will be at the forefront of future activities. A circular economy requires extension of product lifetimes, and the reuse and recycling of products. Reducing emissions, pollution and specific energy, water, and raw material usage (especially critical raw materials), as well as the role of digitalization, will be important.

Expansion of Policy Domain of Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP): Challenges and Opportunities for Policy Design

Since 2015, the international policy community has started to agree on international agreements with ambitious middle-term and long-term goals, highly relevant to sustainable consumption and production (SCP) such as those seen in the Paris Agreement, SDGs, and the plastic-related agreements at the G7 and G20 processes. Along with this trend, there has been growing attention given to socio-technical system change or “transition”. Policy debate is putting more focus on the need to change consumption and production patterns and deal with various ecological consequences within planetary boundaries such as decarbonization, absolute reduction in material throughput, or creation of a plastic-free society. This paper examines the expansion of the policy domain of SCP in three phases; SCP focusing on pollution control and cleaner production (SCP 1.0), SCP from the perspective of product lifecycle (SCP 2.0), and SCP focusing on systematic changes in socio-technical systems driving consumption and production (SCP 3.0). The potential impact of a wider SCP policy domain can be comparable to the historical shift in discourse related to ecological modernization theory from pollution prevention to efficiency. This emerging trend corresponds to the need for a fresh approach to policy design which can facilitate transition to sustainability.