PapersFlow Research Brief
Sustainable Supply Chain Management
Research Guide
What is Sustainable Supply Chain Management?
Sustainable Supply Chain Management is the integration of environmental management and resource efficiency into supply chain operations to achieve triple bottom line sustainability encompassing economic, social, and environmental performance.
This field encompasses 76,090 works with a focus on circular economy principles, green practices, supply chain network design, remanufacturing, and business model innovation. Seuring and Müller (2008) developed a conceptual framework for sustainable supply chain management through a literature review. Carter and Rogers (2008) introduced a framework linking environmental, social, and economic performance within supply chains.
Topic Hierarchy
Research Sub-Topics
Circular Economy in Supply Chains
Researchers conceptualize closed-loop models integrating reverse logistics, recycling, and waste valorization in supply networks. Studies analyze barriers, enablers, and performance metrics for implementation.
Green Supply Chain Practices
This sub-topic evaluates eco-design, green procurement, and carbon footprint reduction strategies across tiers. Empirical research uses LCA and surveys to quantify environmental and economic impacts.
Sustainable Supply Chain Network Design
Optimization models incorporate sustainability constraints for facility location, transportation, and inventory under uncertainty. Multi-objective approaches balance cost, emissions, and resilience.
Remanufacturing Processes and Economics
Studies explore technical feasibility, quality control, and cost-benefit analyses of remanufacturing for electronics and automotive parts. Integration with circular business models is a key focus.
Triple Bottom Line in Supply Chain Management
Frameworks measure people-planet-profit trade-offs, with case studies on social sustainability, environmental auditing, and profitability. Researchers develop KPIs for holistic performance assessment.
Why It Matters
Sustainable Supply Chain Management enables firms to balance environmental and economic systems, as shown in Ghisellini et al. (2015) review expecting a transition to circular economy practices that reduce waste through remanufacturing and resource efficiency. Blockchain technology supports transparency and traceability in global supply chains, addressing management challenges amid globalization, according to Saberi et al. (2018). Carter and Rogers (2008) framework demonstrates how sustainability improves performance across economic, social, and environmental dimensions, with applications in industries pursuing triple bottom line goals. Srivastava (2007) highlights integration of environmentally sound choices into supply chain practices to meet regulatory demands.
Reading Guide
Where to Start
"From a literature review to a conceptual framework for sustainable supply chain management" by Seuring and Müller (2008), as it provides a foundational structure from a comprehensive review accessible to newcomers.
Key Papers Explained
Seuring and Müller (2008) established a conceptual framework via literature review, which Carter and Rogers (2008) extended into a theory-building framework linking environmental, social, and economic performance. Srivastava (2007) complemented this with a state-of-the-art review on green supply-chain management practices. Kirchherr et al. (2017) analyzed 114 circular economy definitions, supporting Geissdoerfer et al. (2016) paradigm exploration relevant to sustainable chains. Bocken et al. (2013) built on these by developing sustainable business model archetypes.
Paper Timeline
Most-cited paper highlighted in red. Papers ordered chronologically.
Advanced Directions
Current work builds on blockchain applications for traceability as in Saberi et al. (2018), with emphasis on integrating resource-based views like Russo and Fouts (1997) into dynamic supply chain networks. No recent preprints available, but foundational frameworks from Carter and Rogers (2008) guide ongoing triple bottom line implementations.
Papers at a Glance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the conceptual framework for sustainable supply chain management?
Seuring and Müller (2008) created a framework from a literature review that structures sustainable supply chain management around supplier, customer, and focal company perspectives. It emphasizes environmental and social criteria alongside economic factors. The framework supports theory development in the field.
How does blockchain relate to sustainable supply chain management?
Saberi et al. (2018) examined blockchain's role in providing transparency, traceability, and security for global supply chains. It eases management difficulties from globalization. The technology aligns with sustainability by enabling better control over environmental and social practices.
What defines supply chain management in sustainability contexts?
Mentzer et al. (2001) defined supply chain management as a set of practices lacking consensus until their analysis of multiple definitions. It involves coordination from suppliers to end customers. This foundation applies to sustainable extensions incorporating green practices.
What are key sustainable business model archetypes?
Bocken et al. (2013) reviewed literature and practices to develop archetypes for sustainable business models beyond eco-efficiency. These include models maximizing material and energy efficiency and fostering societal change. They support long-term social and environmental sustainability.
How does green supply chain management integrate environmental choices?
Srivastava (2007) reviewed green supply-chain management literature, noting a need for broader frameworks amid regulatory pressures. It involves environmentally sound choices in supply chain research and practice. The review identifies gaps in current approaches.
What is the resource-based view on environmental performance?
Russo and Fouts (1997) tested hypotheses showing positive links between environmental and economic performance, moderated by industry growth. Returns to environmental performance are higher in high-growth industries. This perspective applies to sustainable supply chain strategies.
Open Research Questions
- ? How can supply chain network design optimize for both resource efficiency and triple bottom line outcomes?
- ? What barriers prevent widespread adoption of remanufacturing in circular economy supply chains?
- ? In what ways do business model innovations integrate social sustainability into traditional supply chain operations?
- ? How do environmental management practices scale across global supply chains under varying regulatory frameworks?
- ? What metrics best measure the long-term economic viability of green practices in supply chains?
Recent Trends
The field maintains 76,090 works, with high citation impact from circular economy papers like Geissdoerfer et al. at 7429 citations and Kirchherr et al. (2017) at 6924 citations.
2016Growth data over 5 years is unavailable.
No recent preprints or news coverage in the last 6-12 months indicates steady reliance on established literature such as Seuring and Müller .
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