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In this paper, supply disruption impacts along supply chains within the Swiss mobility, energy and ICT sectors are assessed in the short-term (i.e. the next 5 years) using the recently developed SPOTTER approach with the objective to identify hotspots and technologies associated with comparably low supply risks. SPOTTER has been chosen because, compared to other approaches, it is the only one that allows for an assessment along the full supply chain and it is integrated into the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment framework. To decrease the respective data acquisition efforts for the here-performed supply risk analysis of entire sectors, in a first step, material/product flows that are most influential for an assessment with SPOTTER are identified and considered for the calculation of related impact scores. Our study analyzes critical material and product flows between trade partner countries along relevant supply chains. It thus identifies new hotspots and adds relevant country-specific information to current knowledge. In particular, the identified hotspots refer to volatile prices of solar panels, interrupted trade of oil and gas from Russia, Nigeria and Niger as well as disrupted imports of electronic devices from China. Suggestions for mitigation strategies comprise hedging and/or diversifying the supply chains. Other identified hotspots refer to the critical supply of cobalt and natural graphite along battery supply chains, which could for example be addressed by supporting and/or incentivizing the construction of a circular economy. A third category of identified hotspots indicates risks related to the trade of hafnium and nuclear power plant equipment that could be mitigated by shifting to less risky energy technologies. Our comparisons of overall impacts between relevant technologies suggest higher supply risks for conventional cars, solar panels and Chinese laptops compared to battery electric cars, wind turbines and German laptops. In these comparisons, more details regarding disruptions along full product and fuel supply chains are considered than in current studies. [Display omitted] • Supply disruption hotspots are analyzed along global supply chains for the Swiss mobility, energy and ICT sectors. • Identified hotspots suggest supply risks for fossil fuels, battery materials, electronic devices, solar panels and nuclear power equipment. • Flows between Congo, Chile, China and South Korea and imports from China, Russia, Nigeria and Niger are particular critical. • Electric vehicles, wind turbines and German laptops have lower supply risks compared to conventional vehicles, solar panels and Chinese laptops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a growing focus on environmental conservation, enterprises continuously reevaluate their conventional profit-driven business models. This shift has led to the development of green production planning models, attracting considerable attention in recent years. Previously, energy consumption or carbon emission were the most considered green parameters in the production planning problems. Nevertheless, several other essential green aspects such as reductions in chemical, solid waste, and wastewater are usually neglected. Therefore, this study proposes a multi-objective model for environmentally conscious aggregate production planning, simultaneously considering the above-mentioned green objectives. Additionally, the uncertain parameters of the model, including the green parameters, were modelled through fuzzy programming. Furthermore, this study incorporated a contradicting relationship between energy consumption cost and associated carbon emission, which was previously presented as non-contradicting. This relationship was illustrated by utilizing the time-of-use electricity tariff scheme. To solve the model, the initial step involved the defuzzification of uncertain attributes, followed by the transformation of the multi-objective model into a single-objective model. Finally, the IBM ILOG CPLEX Optimization Studio solver was utilized to solve the model based on the data collected from a precision engineering company. The generated production plan achieved an overall satisfaction level of 71%, which is reasonably acceptable to the decision maker. Moreover, sensitivity analysis has been conducted for the degree of optimism of the objective functions and the feasibility degree of the constraints. A general overview of the results associated with the performed sensitivity analysis indicated that the optimum values of the objective functions deteriorate as the parameters increase, though all remain within an acceptable range. The proposed study will assist decision makers in generating production plans that are both economically and environmentally feasible. • Integration of green objectives into aggregate production planning. • Fuzzy mathematical programming is utilized to address uncertain parameters. • The Time-of-Use electricity tariff scheme is incorporated into the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pollution reduction and carbon-cutting measures of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) set a benchmark for sustainable development in China's urban agglomerations. While the automobile manufacturing industry significantly boosts the GBA's economic growth, its extensive cross-regional and cross-sector supply chains pose challenges for CO 2 and pollution emission control. Analyzing emissions characteristics and transfer paths can clarify the GBA's role and guide targeted reduction measures. According to the multi-region input-output (MRIO) model and structural path analysis (SPA), this study clarifies that the automobile manufacturing industry in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao causes more than 72% of the CO 2 and air pollutant (SO 2 , NO X , PM 10) spillover to other regions, where the energy-resource-dominant upstream regions of Hebei, Shandong, and Henan emit high levels of CO 2 and air pollutants, according for 19% of indirect supply chain emissions; the energy sector, non-metals sector, and metals sector are the key upstream, according for 59% of indirect supply chain emissions. Furthermore, our study identifies the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and neighboring regions, parts of the western region, and the GBA region and the metal products industry, automobile manufacturing industry, and water, electricity, and gas supply industry sector as the core area and key sector with significant synergistic effects on CO 2 and air pollutant emissions. Therefore, implementing emission reduction measures in the identified core areas and sectors will contribute to the achievement of synergistic enhancement. These findings can inform decision-makers to promote sustainable development in the region. Furthermore, the research perspective based on the industrial chain offers new insights into defining regional responsibility for CO 2 emissions and enhancing regional cooperation. [Display omitted] • The automoblie production of the GBA relies on regions with abundant resources. • Exports are a significant demand factor for emissions in the supply chain. • Some critical supply chain paths transferred more CO 2 and air pollutants were traced. • Certain regions in the supply chain exhibit a synergy between air pollutants and CO 2. • Synergistic emission reduction requires policy integration and regional cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the agricultural sector is one of the main drivers responsible for the transgression of planetary boundaries, there is an urgent need to reduce its environmental impacts. To address this issue, international institutions advocate for digital agriculture, but formalised and comprehensive assessment of its environmental impacts is still lacking. This systematic review aims at studying papers dedicated to the environmental assessment of the use of digital technologies in agriculture (DATs), i.e. of digital agriculture. In the 69 studies selected by the PRISMA method, most of the DATs dealt with crop production, supporting technical production management (e.g. fertilisation or irrigation). Almost a third of DATs were robots or automation tools. Out of the selected studies, 36 applied the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) framework. A focus was placed on these 36 case studies, which were examined in the light of the four LCA standardised stages, i.e. goal and scope, life cycle inventory (LCI), life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) and interpretation. Our review results show that most of the studies aimed to assess the environmental impacts of digitalising an agricultural system using either a mass or surface-based functional unit, or sometimes both. The system boundaries seldomly included the DAT life cycle which were sometimes modelled with proxies and assumptions at the LCI stage to address data gaps. Assumptions were also needed to quantify the effects of DAT on the agricultural system, such as yield benefits or food waste reduction. At the LCIA stage, midpoint indicators were often selected. Turning to the interpretation step, it is worth noting that few studies carried out uncertainty and sensitivity analysis. Finally, most of these 36 studies concluded that digitalisation reduced the environmental impacts of the agricultural system due to efficiency gains, or the use of electricity instead of fossil fuel. Conversely, three studies determined that digitalisation increased the environmental impacts of their agricultural system in terms of toxicity, mineral resource use, marine eutrophication, land use and ionising radiations, as high technologies (robots and drones) were being assessed in these works. Based on our review, recommendations were made on how to conduct LCA when assessing the environmental impacts of digitalising an agricultural system. Research perspectives for DAT environmental assessment were also discussed that take into consideration their emerging nature, their multifunctionality and the rebound effects they may generate. [Display omitted] • It is the first systematic review of LCA of digital agriculture technologies (DATs). • Precision agriculture DATs for crop management were the most assessed. • DAT life cycle and DATs effects on agricultural systems should be considered in LCA. • Life cycle inventory of DATs faces a lack of data. • DATs multifunctionality remain a challenge for LCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a novel machine learning-based method for designing spatially explicit supply chains for establishing a nationwide CO 2 utilization strategy. The proposed method is capable of considering not only technical feature for CO 2 -to-fuel conversion, but also the geographical features for facility allocation by integrating spatial data and various sociological information. To develop the proposed method, map polygonization and the ray-casting algorithm for precise spatial data generation are implemented, which identifies and screens out geographically and socially unfavorable terrains for facility allocation. The scenario evaluation method, which includes the Gaussian mixture model-based expectation–maximization algorithm and supply chain economics, such as transportation price and facility capital investment, are considered to calculate a large set of supply chain scenarios. As a case study, the proposed method is applied to determine the optimal supply chain configuration to secure economic feasibility in the Korean CO 2 capture and utilization project. The results identify the hydrogen price as the most critical factor in the supply chain economy and show the potential profitability in 2043–2045. This study can promote the nationwide CO 2 reduction strategy and the development of a sustainable energy supply system. [Display omitted] • A spatially explicit supply chain design method for a nationwide CO 2 -to-fuel infrastructure is proposed. • Machine learning and big data methods are implemented to allocate major facilities. • Precise modeling and analyses are available with high-resolution geographical and social data. • The case study identifies H 2 price as the key for profitable CO 2 -to-fuel infrastructure of Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, there is an increasing pressure to decarbonize and meet energy demands. In this regard, the usage of renewable energy sources is becoming more prominent. Biomass energy can significantly contribute to this effort. However, due to logistical costs, its exploitation is often considered less 'desirable.' Sometimes, particularly in the context of residual biomass, open burning on site is desirable. This study aims to optimize the residual biomass supply chain by leveraging digitalization's advantages, thereby creating a new model for this purpose. Methodologically, this research initially adopted an empirical approach, analyzing documents from a project that recreated the current scenario. In its second phase, the study involved a literature review to gather insights needed for developing the final model. Consequently, this study offers three major contributions: a detailed mapping of the current scenario, a comprehensive synthesis of the potentials of emerging technologies in the supply chain, and a model illustrating the integration of these technologies in the context of residual biomass. Thus, this research presents an opportunity to transform a common 'leftover' into a value-added material. To better assess the model's value, two analyses, PEST and SWOT, were conducted to align the conceptual proposal with real-world contexts. • Residual biomass is rarely used due to its logistical costs. • Digitalization could potentiate the of supply chains optimization. • Technologies 4.0 can boost renewable energy use and reducing the risk of fire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The push for digital transformation in the healthcare sector offers promising potential for reducing waste, enhancing resource utilization, and significantly diminishing the carbon footprint of healthcare operations. However, a pivotal challenge that emerges in the quest for a greener healthcare supply chain is interoperability. Through a qualitative methodology, this study delved into the interoperability challenges within Singapore's public healthcare supply chain by conducting in-depth interviews with key stakeholders. The analysis revealed four primary interoperability challenges: technological, data-centric, social, and stakeholder-related obstacles. These challenges span both social and technical aspects, aligning with a socio-technical system perspective. In response, this research proposes a conceptual framework for a digital-enabled, green public healthcare supply chain. The framework comprises four interrelated components to tackle the interoperability challenges: adopting an ecosystem perspective, fostering resilience orientation for the healthcare supply chain, recognizing the pivotal role of technology as a driver and enabler, and implementing necessary management changes and support. The findings of this study are poised to make a substantial contribution to integrating healthcare operations with broader sustainability objectives, advancing towards the goal of net-zero emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The defossilization of household heating systems is one of the paramount goals of renewable energy, where pellets are regarded as a promising option. A multiscale techno-economic analysis is performed to determine first the raw material yield to pellets as well as estimating CAPEX and OPEX as a function of the biomass processed. Next, the location of the facilities is evaluated in the agricultural counties of Castilla y León through the formulation of an MILP facility location problem, including economic, social, and environmental objectives. The lignocellulosic materials considered are pinewood, eucalyptus wood, corn stover, and switchgrass. For substituting the natural gas-powered boilers in towns with over 500 inhabitants, 860,000 t/yr of pellets will be necessary. 98.1% substitution is achieved deploying 13 pellet plants, 11 based on pinewood and 2 on corn stover, representing 26.4% of the resources available and it is necessary to invest 164.8 M€ with an annual profitability of 133.0 M€. The emissions substituting these boilers are reduced by 94.8%. Switchgrass is studied separately as it is not currently grown in Castilla y León, although, its introduction would decrease the OPEX from 127.5 €/t to 63.9 €/t while the social and environmental impact is adversely affected. • A multiscale techno-economic analysis is performed to promote energy security. • For Castilla y León, pinewood & corn stover pellets are produced. • 11 Pinewood and 2 corn stover plants are installed reducing emissions by 95%. • Almost 100% heat demand can be met, generating 800 jobs. • Switchgrass reduces cost by 50% but worsens the social aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The textiles and apparel industry is a major contributor to economic development while at the same time being one of the most polluting industries due to its lengthy supply chain and resource intensive production operations. To address these sustainability challenges, digitalization is seen as one of the potential solutions. Using the lens of sustainability and digitalization in Supply Chain Management (SCM), this paper analyses the sustainability and digitalization status of Dutch textile and apparel firms. We used a mixed methodology of quantitative text mining of 94 Dutch textile and apparel firms as well as qualitative thematic and coding analysis of experts' views and opinions on sustainability and digitalization in the Dutch textiles and apparel industry. Quantitative analysis of website data shows that Dutch textile and apparel firms predominantly communicate the environmental, to a lesser extent social, and least of all economic sustainability factors. Keyword analysis also shows that the use of technological keyword indicators is less prominent, while certain technologies such as IoT, sensors and blockchain correlate mostly to environmental sustainability factors. Moreover, qualitative analysis reveals that to address sustainability via digitalization, it is important to link sustainability goals to Key Performance Indicators, which requires data for traceability. We recommend firms to: (1) re-evaluate their business models and assess the extent traceability can be incorporated in their sustainability strategy; (2) enhance stakeholder collaboration within and outside the supply chain to utilize traceability; and (3) proactively use traceability information to improve transparency and accountability to meet legal requirements and address greenwashing. This study contributes to literature by showing the importance of traceability for (a) linking sustainability and digitalization in SCM, b) achieving the ultimate goals of transparency and accountability, and c) predicting demand and supply to address overproduction and waste in the textiles and apparel sector. • This study analyses the sustainability and digitalization status of Dutch textile and apparel firms. • Firms predominantly communicate environmental, followed by social and least of all economics sustainability, in their websites. • To address sustainability via digitalization, it is important to link sustainability goals to Key Performance Indicators. • Traceability data can improve transparency and accountability, as well as predictability of demand and supply in the chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio-natural gas (BNG) has received recent interest as a renewable alternative to natural gas (NG). BNG supply chains (BSC), including production, transportation, and utilization, are compatible and can overlap with existing NG infrastructure. The goal is to develop a set of models that achieve the various trade-offs between economic, environmental and safety risks by combining life cycle assessment (LCA), mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) and fuzzy optimization, expanding the utilization of BSC while quantifying the risk of the whole process, so as to improve the safety awareness of the project operation. BNG technologies were considered: anaerobic digestion (AD), gasification, and syngas methanation. This model can analyze the changes in the different objectives of each module and the distribution of biomass mass flow by comparing different straw-based harvesting rates. Results indicate that AD technology possesses the lowest economic cost, and BNG as transportation fuel will generate the most benefits. The unit cost of BNG for different technologies ranges from 0.36 to 0.67 $/m³，the emission reduction is from 5.18 kg/m³ to 10.28 kg/m³，and the maximum safety risk value is 1.96. The proposed model was applied to a case study in China to illustrate the optimization of a regional straw-based BSC. The results illustrate how BNG supply chains can be systematically planned as part of an integrated decarbonization policy while mitigating safety risks that may occur from handling this fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing environmental awareness of citizens, sustainable fashion has become a hot topic in industry, academia, and society. The importance of product eco-design (ED) in ensuring the sustainability of organizations and supply chains cannot be overstated. This paper aims to establish an eco-design performance evaluation system and identify the most effective management mechanism. To achieve this goal, a linked two-stage network Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model is developed. This model has a well-defined internal structure and potential causal relationships between variables; and the two stages are Internal and Supplier Management (ISM) and Openness and Collaboration (OC). We analyze stage and overall efficiencies using proactive, reactive, and simultaneous approaches. Additionally, we explore the convergence characteristics of the industry's ED efficiency from 2015 to 2018. The results show that the overall ED efficiency of fashion enterprises is significant when considering the interrelatedness of subsystems. However, there is disharmony between the two stages. As the proactive approach, ISM is the optimal strategy to maximize ED efficiency. On the other hand, OC is critical to eco-design performance. This paper contributes to the existing literature by developing an innovative DEA analytical framework for evaluating eco-design performance. It also identifies the most eco-efficient way to achieve better environmental performances, which allows decision-makers to better allocate their design efforts and improve both short- and long-term corporate sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work evaluates a systematic comparison between the production of methanol and methane using CO 2 and renewable hydrogen. CO 2 is captured from point and dilute sources using aqueous MEA solutions and a conventional DAC process. Hydrogen is obtained through water electrolysis, powered by PV panels and wind turbines. First, a techno-economic evaluation is developed to detail the characteristics of the production facilities and the renewable energy systems. Finally, a Facility Location Problem (FLP) is developed to determine the centralized and decentralized CO 2 use across Spain. This supply network is formulated as a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) problem, selecting the optimal amount of CO 2 to capture, the number and location of the facilities, the distribution of the PV panels for a fixed available area in the territory, and the number of wind turbines across the 47 Spanish peninsular provinces. Methanol is the selected product, with prices between 1,000–2,600 €/t Methanol. MEA solutions are preferred over DAC. Methane production is also considered through decentralized CO 2 capture due to abundant CO 2 availability and high transportation costs. A sensitivity analysis was performed, obtaining prices from 18.97 to 20.36 €/MMBTU to 8.90–9.09 €/MMBTU in the years 2022 and 2050, covering 5 times the methane production for that period. The implementation of carbon taxes could lower methane prices to around 2–3 €/MMBTU by 2050, aligning closely with natural gas prices. [Display omitted] • A multiscale analysis is presented to evaluate the use of CO 2 to chemicals. • The process design considers captured CO 2 and electrolytic hydrogen for methanol & methane production. • A facility location optimization model is formulated to select the product and the location of the facilities. • The point captured CO 2 and methanol production are selected. • Synthetic methane can be promising if renewable energy becomes cheaper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research proposes a new method for Viable Supply Chain Network Design (VSCND) that incorporates Open Innovation (OI) and Blockchain Technology (BCT). A robust stochastic optimization and Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR) in the cost function is utilized to develop the model. This model's objective function incorporates the expected value, maximum cost, and CVaR cost. The OI and BCT platforms are suggested for an antifragile policy against disruption. In addition, CO 2 emissions and energy consumption are proposed as sustainability requirements. Eventually, minimum demand satisfaction and resilience facilities by incorporating capacity based on specific scenarios are added to the model for an agile strategy. This research entails several parties, including vendors supplying the primary components and manufacturers creating products based on customer preferences. OI and BCT platforms aim to receive demand based on customer specifications and facilitate rapid transactions between components. Risk-averse decision-makers utilize a polyhedral Data-Driven Robust Optimization (DDRO) approach to manage uncertainty and flexible sets. Incorporating OI and BCT as antifragility instruments resulted in a 0.2% cost reduction for VSCNDOIBCT compared to when OI and BCT were not considered. This research suggests that integrating OI and BCT positively affects SC performance overall. The decreasing rate, DDRO coefficient, agility rate, demand variation, and problem size were subjected to a sensitivity analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compete in emerging markets, a supply chain must perform well. Agile and sustainable sourcing practices can improve supply chain performance; however, their impact needs an optimal evaluation. Although few research studies offer frameworks for integrating agile and sustainable principles, none offer links to implementing these practices in the sourcing networks of a supply chain. The present study seeks to bridge these gaps by developing a framework that identifies and configures the enabling elements for creating agile and sustainable sourcing networks. This study aims to provide an implementable causal model that the plastic industry's supply chain could adopt. In the first phase of the research process, fifteen enablers are identified through literature and validated by Delphi experts. In the second phase, interpretive structural modeling is applied to establish the hierarchical relationships among these enablers and categorize them based on their functionalities. The model is demonstrated based on the real-life case study of a firm manufacturing plastic pipes and fittings. The proposed model identifies the strategic, operational, and performance level enablers and intends to help the managers incorporate the agile and sustainable criteria in their sourcing practices. The findings of this study provide several contributions to the literature and implications for the plastic industry. • Agile and sustainable sourcing practices improve supply chain performance; therefore, their enablers must be evaluated. • The initiation approach of sequential mixed-method research is utilized to achieve the research objectives. • The key enablers are organized to understand their role in modeling the plastic industry's sourcing networks. • The enablers are classified as per their functionalities , i.e., strategic, operational, or performance level enablers. • The proposed model significantly contributes by providing implications to the plastic industry and related firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The textile industry is a significant source of global greenhouse gas emissions; therefore, it is crucial to implement decarbonization measures throughout the supply chain (SC) to reduce carbon emissions and achieve sustainable development. However, there exists a lack of systematic review regarding decarbonization in textile SCs. The objective of this review is to identify themes related to decarbonization in textile SCs, address research gaps, and propose an integrated framework. To do this, we conducted a systematic literature review of 68 identified papers discussing decarbonization in textile SCs. Based on descriptive and thematic findings, we have developed a comprehensive conceptual framework that synthesizes antecedents, decarbonization practices, influential factors, and outcomes within the context of textile SCs. Furthermore, our review highlights current research gaps and recommends future directions for studying decarbonization in textile SCs. By providing the first comprehensive framework for addressing decarbonization across all stages of the textile SC process, this review contributes significantly to the existing literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) emissions driven by transboundary supply-chain activities across Chinese provinces are largely unknown. In this study, we comprehensively assessed the dynamics of production-, consumption-, and income-based PAHs emissions from individual Chinese provinces in China from 2007 to 2017. We also examined the critical supply-chain paths and socioeconomic drivers behind the changes in PAHs emissions and explored their correlations with China's economic restructuring during this period. We found that production-, consumption-, and income-based PAHs emissions have decreased to lower levels in 2017 (45.6, 36.2, and 40.1 kt, respectively) than those (52.8, 37.5, and 43.6 kt, respectively) in 2007. The dominant contributors of trade-driven PAHs emissions were located in the northern inland provinces with rich coal resources and the southeastern coastal provinces with dense populations and developed economies. China's economic restructuring reduced PAHs emissions in these provinces in the post-global financial crisis era, benefiting from improvements in emission intensity and trade structure. Concurrently, migrating energy- and emission-intensive industries into less affluent provinces (e.g., Xinjiang, Jiangxi, Henan, Anhui, and Yunnan) changed the roles of emission factors (from the demand side), primary input structure and energy mix (from the supply side) from driving down to driving up PAHs emissions. These changing drivers exerted a greater upward influence on PAHs emissions than the overall downward influence exerted by other drivers, thereby causing emissions outsourcing and leakage. This study explored the effects of economic structural transition on interprovincial trade-driven PAH emission transfer, offering valuable insights for policymakers to formulate policies for mitigating PAHs emissions. [Display omitted] • Provincial PAHs emissions embodied in domestic trade in China were estimated. • Production-, consumption-, and income-based emissions substantially overlap with each other. • Final demands of southeast coastal provinces drive PAHs emissions from coal-rich provinces. • Economic restructuring contributes to the national total declining emissions after 2012. • Emission factor and energy mix drive emissions in less affluent provinces in post crisis era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We review recent scientific production on the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework applied to supply chain management research. In a world where increasing pressure from stakeholders has led to an intense level of attention towards sustainable supply chain practices, both scholars and practitioners have sparked the debate surrounding ESG scores and performance of supply chains. Given the novelty of the topic, along with its significance for both academia and industry, we performed a systematic literature review with the goal of synthesizing extant knowledge and providing a structured research agenda to further expand the field. We found a lively stream of research, notably focused on the need for transparency in supply chain management, the pivotal role of policymakers in driving the ESG agenda forward and the impact of ESG in the supply chain performance. In addition to providing a comprehensive, in-depth analysis of the current state of the art, with the aid of bibliometric data, we provide useful recommendations for future research by developing a structured research agenda and a theoretical framework, synthesizing extant knowledge and covering notable research gaps. The work has implications for both theory and practice. Theoretically, the research agenda acts as a starting point for further research in the field, while simultaneously providing scholars with a comprehensive snapshot of the current state of the art. From a practical perspective, the review highlights the role of managers and policymakers in implementing the ESG framework in supply chains, along with its challenges, benefits and potential drawbacks, thus acting as an informative point of reference for such implementation. • We systematically review the literature on ESG and supply chains. • Increasing pressures from stakeholders has led to more attention towards sustainable supply chain management. • A structured research agenda is derived to aid sustainable supply chain management scholars to further develop the field. • We propose a theoretical framework synthesizing what has been established in research, and what has yet to be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology and pricing policies are two mitigation strategies that attempt to tackle the carbon emission problem. Nonetheless, the uncertainty of public reaction to CCS infrastructure installation has been noted as a significant issue that may lead to either cancelations, delays, or influence the deployment cost of CCS infrastructure. Although these strategies are solutions to reduce carbon emissions, the entire supply chain itself needs to align with sustainability policy. While some previous studies have addressed mitigation strategies or the combination of social objective and CCS technology, the impact of social objectives on reservoir openness has not been explored. This article contributes to the literature by illustrating the effect of social objectives on reservoir openness and the total cost of the CCS supply chain. Through the development of a two-stage mixed-integer linear programming model, we optimize the supply chain network design. In the first stage, a single-objective model minimizes capture, transportation, and sequestration costs along with CO 2 emission costs to the atmosphere, considering various carbon tax prices. In the second stage, a bi-objective model maximizes social acceptance towards CO 2 injection wells (reservoirs) to analyze the impact of cultural dimensions. Our findings reveal that maximizing the social objective leads to increased costs compared to the economic optimum, and it significantly influences the openness of reservoirs based on cultural dimensions. Furthermore, we demonstrate that an increase in the CO 2 tax enhances the amount of captured carbon and the complexity of the pipeline network in the supply chain. This insight has implications for governments and decision-makers who can encourage industries to adopt CCS technology by setting appropriate carbon tax prices. To validate the model, we apply it to a case study in the European Union cement industry, one of the major carbon emitters among all industries. Our results not only confirm the model's effectiveness but also show its potential for practical application. Overall, our study presents a comprehensive framework for designing a two-stage sustainable supply chain network for CCS technology that optimizes economic and social objectives while considering CO 2 pricing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to investigate the supply chain and reverse channels of expanded polystyrene packaging connection in Brazil and their roles to discuss the main challenges towards circular economy. In order to achieve this goal, we propose a four-step method, anchored in the literature, technical visits, and interviews with experts in the expanded polystyrene (EPS) industry. First, the EPS supply chain was characterised and mapped, and secondly, the stakeholders and logistics activities in reverse channels were analysed. Third, the Brazilian legislation and chain structure was reviewed to obtain an understanding of how this can influence the activities developed in reverse channels. Fourth, with an analysis of the data collected before, the barriers to implement EPS reverse chain were presented. The main results establish that the EPS can complete one cycle of the circular economy, which is recycling, but products need to be separated and washed. The most significant waste generators are public and private institutions, residences, and retailers. Notable barriers to its recycling are a lack of understanding of the nature of expanded polystyrene recycling by Brazilian people, high transport cost due to material density, and the dispersion of post-consumer expanded polystyrene in several regions of the country linked with the small number of recycling facilities. Finally, this issue could be explored in industries and companies that require their managers to adopt strategies to improve reverse logistics in order to promote the circular economy. The companies' actions could facilitate a stronger circular supply chain since they could increase recycling efforts, reduce expanded polystyrene waste, and present new business models. The resulting generation of employment would contribute to the quality of life of contemporary society. The findings presented in the paper enable industries to identify and guide the most demanding significant steps and processes, and to shift the reverse chain and expanded polystyrene recycling to ensure that they operate more efficiently. • Reverse logistics as the first step towards circular supply chain. • The paper maps the expanded polystyrene packaging supply chain and its reverse logistics. • This paper presents the barriers that hinder the reverse logistics in Brazil. • The main challenges are related to the consumers and the recycling industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reusing waste materials of other industries, a practice known as industrial symbiosis, attracts growing attention by industry. However, the waste materials are often of lower quality than the virgin materials they substitute. When production processes are intolerant for lower quality materials, production issues may occur. This paper sets out to explore how firms can manage the waste quality through supplier integration with the waste supplier. As suppliers have to learn new knowledge, the construct of absorptive capacity is used as an interpretive lens. An in-depth longitudinal exploratory case study approach is used to examine the involvement of different individuals and departments in the supplier integration activities in the context of the waste-based fuel supply chain of a global cement producer. Qualitative and quantitative data was gathered at both the buyer and the supplier. The data show that buyers can increase the absorptive capacity of the suppliers by aligning their own knowledge bases with the scope of the supplier integration. The increased absorptive capacity enables the suppliers to align waste quality with production requirements. Managing waste quality is an important capability of industrial symbiosis, especially when firms want to go beyond the low-hanging fruits and increase the effectiveness of their industrial symbiosis activities. The research concludes with theoretical and managerial insights into how firms can organize the supplier integration to manage waste quality in the context of industrial symbiosis. • Using poor waste quality lowers production efficiency in industrial symbiosis. • Waste quality parameters can be ambiguous and therefore hard to manage. • Buyers can help suppliers to manage waste quality through supplier integration. • Absorptive capacity explains the effectiveness of supplier integration. • Aligning waste quality with production requirements improves production efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the circular economy era, environmental sustainability is critical, and both green and non-green products with similar functions co-exist in practice. There is little doubt that these two types of products are competing and may substitute one another even though one is more environmental friendly than the other. In this paper, we build analytical models to explore the optimal advertising and pricing decisions for a green product in the presence of a non-green product substitute. We investigate both simultaneous and sequential pricing strategies under which there are three possible pricing scenarios, namely: 1) both prices of green and non-green products are determined simultaneously (Strategy IP), 2) the green product's price is decided first and then the non-green product's price is determined (Strategy GL), and 3) the non-green product's price is decided first and then the green product's price is determined (Strategy NL). We find that the sequential pricing strategy is more profitable than the simultaneous pricing strategy for both green and non-green supply chains. It is interesting to prove the existence of "second-mover advantage" in the pricing game. Moreover, we identify that if the green supply chain uses Strategy NL, it could achieve a better performance in profit and minimize the corresponding environmental impact. If the green supply chain is truly socially responsible, it should design a product with low substitutability, so that the environmental impact can be enhanced. Furthermore, our numerical results indicate that Strategy IP never performs the best in terms of consumer surplus and social welfare when the product substitution level is sufficiently high. Findings of this paper contribute to the literature on cleaner production systems in the circular economy era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Off-site construction is a rising topic in both academic research and industrial applications because of its potential to bring about high-level of industrialization, environmental benefits, and sustainability in the built environment. Precast supply chain, as a vital connection between construction sites and off-site plants, is the focus of many recent studies. While these studies have greatly advanced precast supply chain management (PSCM), a critical analysis to summarize the recent research, to identify research gaps, and to inform future research needs is largely missing in the field of precast supply chain management. The overarching goal of this paper is to create a taxonomy to properly classify existing studies in precast supply chain management so as to reveal research gaps and suggest future research opportunities. The specific tasks in this review project include: (1) conducting bibliographic categorizations with regard to journals, years and geographic distributions of publications; (2) identifying the citation correlations and formulating the keyword connection networks; (3) classifying the literature based on research topics and highlighting the state of the art pertaining to each subtopic. The in-depth analysis shows that the studies on precast production are dominant in the PSCM domain. The major research approaches used in existing studies include the genetic algorithm, simulation, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), and BIM (Building Information Modeling). At last, the possible future research focuses are highlighted, such as dynamic disturbances management, smart precast supply chain, coordination among participants, simultaneously optimizing scheduling and resource allocation. • Conducting bibliographic categorizations with regard to journals, years and geographic distributions of publications. • Presenting the citation correlations of crucial publications and keyword connection networks. • The mainstream research is classified into four thrust areas and the state of the art pertaining to each subtopic is summarized. • The research gaps and possible future research focuses are highlighted [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though the social aspect is a significant issue since it involves the welfare and development of the affected population, it is not usually borne in mind when designing a supply chain, which is imbued with an economic perspective. From a sustainability point of view, the social impact caused by the location of facilities in a region should be specially assessed. This work proposes a mixed integer linear multiobjective model which considers the social dimension in supply chain design, evaluating the location of different productive units in sites with particular social characteristics. A new Social Indicator involving specific attributes of the environment (population size and unemployment rate) is presented. The viability and capacity for appropriately evaluating the performance of a solution are analyzed from the social point of view for the forest industry in the northeastern region of Argentina. In addition, a comparison with other indicators proposed in the literature is provided. • The optimal design of a forest supply chain in Argentina is addressed considering social impact. • A new social indicator considering local characteristic is proposed. • Economical and social performances are evaluated through a multiobjective MILP. • Low population locations with high unemployment rate are favored. • Analysis and comparison with other social measures are performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global trend is moving towards practising sustainability. Various renewable resources have been discovered and promoted to substitute non-renewable consumables. Biomass is identified to be one promising renewable resource for value-added products and bioenergy generation. Despite the promising potential of biomass utilisation, biomass processors are facing challenges to secure constant supply of raw material due to the seasonal and fluctuation availability of biomass. In this work, a biomass supply chain model considering fluctuation availability is studied and optimised using element targeting approach and multiperiod analysis. The conceptual case study proposes optimal biomass storage strategy across multiperiod of interest and highlights supply chain debottlenecking strategy by looking into biomass element deficiency within a technology's element acceptance range. The application of element targeting approach in biomass supply chain optimisation improves process feed selection and biomass utilisation from local resources. • Debottlenecking of regional biomass element deficiency. • Multiperiod biomass supply chain optimisation via element targeting. • Supply chain optimisation of biomass availability fluctuation. • Biomass importation strategic based on process element deficiency. • Consideration of alternative biomass via element targeting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a supply chain coordination problem for a single manufacturer and retailer for a single selling period is analyzed. The retailer in the supply chain offers two products, an inaugural green and a regular product at different prices. These products are procured at distinct wholesale prices through a single distribution channel. The inaugural green product is offered by the manufacturer along with the existing regular product and sold at a higher price compared to the regular product. This price differentiation divides the market into two segments where the demand in each segment can be controlled using a differentiation price. However, this segmentation resulted via price differentiation is often imperfect owing to which the retailer experiences cannibalization. Cannibalization is perceived as demand leakages between the two segments. This study proposes mathematical models for single channel coordination that integrate price differentiation and demand leakage aspects for the two-product case of green and regular products. Coordination is modeled for both integrated and decentralized channels. In an integrated channel, the decisions are centralized in a monopoly, whereas, in the decentralized channel, manufacturer and retailer decisions are coordinated in a leader-follower game theoretic setting. The coordination models are developed not only for deterministic demand and stochastic demand with full demand information but also for stochastic demand with partial demand information. For each of the demand situations, analytical (closed-form) solutions for pricing, inventory, and greening effort investment decisions in the supply chain are developed. A detailed numerical study is proposed to illustrate the proposed models. We show that selling green and regular products at differentiated prices can significantly improve the profitability of both the manufacturer and retailer, however, an increased demand leakage can considerably limit the profitability gains. Whereas, manufacturer's decision on price differentiation can be used to mitigate the adverse effects of demand leakages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing global energy demand and worsening ecological environment, coal-abundant countries are actively developing the technologies which could convert coal to liquid fuels, so called coal-to-liquids (CTL), to adjust and optimize energy structure, guarantee energy security, and reduce environmental pollution. For the optimal planning of a CTL supply chain, a two-stage stochastic programming model is established to maximize the profit of the CTL supply chain under the products demand uncertainty. Various technical and operational constraints involving the infrastructure construction, CTL plants production, products and coal transport as well as the influence of products oversupply, are considered in the model. Based on the sample average approximation method, a number of finite scenarios for the uncertain parameters are generated, the established stochastic model is converted into an equivalent deterministic model and then solved. Finally, the model was successfully applied to a real-world CTL supply chain in Sinkiang, China. The applicability of the proposed model was testified. Also, comparative studies were carried out to illustrate the influence of the uncertainty on the CTL supply chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) has captured global attention and concern for decades. Policy makers and development practitioners routinely promote awareness campaigns and technical assistance to address mercury use in ASGM; however, this focus obscures other barriers that stand in the way of addressing mercury emissions from the sector. Focused on the town of Relave, in the Ayacucho Region of Southwestern Peru, this paper examines the perspectives and practices of some of the community members who are involved with ASGM activities. It highlights their own views of the challenges related to ASGM and explores the ways in which they are addressing these challenges. Despite their efforts, this paper reveals that there are two key barriers to controlling mercury use in Relave, which lie outside of the communities' lack of awareness and technological capabilities. These include the deprioritization of mercury use and pollution among community members as compared to other community and public health concerns and inequities in the supply chain that position miners and mineral processors with little to no control over the distribution, use, and emissions of mercury. The implications of these findings for policy decisions, regulatory schemes, and development initiatives are not only relevant to Peru, but are also significant for other countries committed to addressing mercury emissions from ASGM. Highlights • Small-scale gold miners are not aware of the exact mechanisms of mercury exposure. • Small-scale gold miners have challenges and priorities outside of mercury emissions. • The supply chain poses barriers to addressing mercury use in small-scale mining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Traceability systems are perceived as a powerful solution to cope with food safety issues. It is important to improve the traceability for food supply chains to address potential food safety events. This paper studies the sourcing decisions in a food supply chain, in which the buyer is exposed to potential food safety events due to supplier responsibility. It is shown that the buyer may fail to source from the supplier with high-level traceability on account of information asymmetry. To address this adverse selection problem, this paper employs the certification as a screening tool, and find that the buyer could separate the two types perfectly with a pooling contract with certification, if the probability of the high type is low; otherwise, a pooling contract only separate the two types partially. This paper further considers a setting in which traceability strengthens the food safety level. It is shown that the buyer prefers the supplier with high-level traceability even the unit cost incurred by food safety events or the probability of the supplier with high-level traceability is lower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract For the water sector to cope with rising populations and the anticipated impacts of climate change, increasing amounts of construction output are needed to build water-related infrastructure. Amidst emerging operational energy efficiencies and gradual grid decarbonisation, the relative impact and extent of embodied carbon dioxide equivalent (embodied CO 2 e) effected from the construction and maintenance of water sector infrastructure is likely to rise. For practitioners in the water and construction sectors, there is a growing need to be able to understand and account for embodied CO 2 e. However, the contribution of embodied CO 2 e as part of the whole life cycle impacts of water related infrastructure is disputed in the current literature, and with only a handful of studies suggesting it is important its significance is not established. This work aims to explore this issue, and provide clarity. This paper shows the calculations involved to measure the embodied and operational CO 2 e of Old Ford Water Recycling Plant, a small blackwater recycling treatment facility producing 574 m3/day of reclaimed water. For the analyses, embodied carbon dioxide coefficients (ECCs) are used that were provided by the water operator Thames Water Utilities Ltd (TWU), and based on its supply chain, and datasets from Ecoinvent v3.1, a commercially available assessment tool. The final aggregated carbon footprint values calculated are 1.430 kgCO 2 e (TWU in-house analysis) and 1.566 kgCO 2 e (Ecoinvent) per cubic metre of recycled water. The results show that the contribution of embodied CO 2 e is significant, making up 50.7% (TWU) and 77.3% (Ecoinvent) of the total carbon footprint value in each analysis. The research identified that assessments could be improved if there was higher-quality data provided by manufacturers and suppliers on the embodied CO 2 e content of materials, components, and equipment. This paper further illustrates differences between calculations using generic data (Ecoinvent) and supply chain data, and the difficulties involved in producing functionally equivalent life cycle inventories. Graphical abstract Image 10027 Highlights • Contribution of embodied carbon is significant in water recycling plant case. • Embodied carbon deemed important in future project design and operation. • Generic data distorts true extent of accounted embodied impacts. • Robust information from supply chain can improve assessment accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Given the substantial resource use and emissions generated from the building sector, China is seeking a more sustainable and greener mode of building construction. To grasp the characteristics of the embodied energy use of the building sector across provinces in China, a multidimensional framework is developed to examine the spatial and sectoral distributions through the whole supply chain using a multiregional input-output (MRIO) analysis and structural path analysis (SPA) as the underlying methods. The results show that from a regional perspective, Liaoning, Shandong, and Guangdong are identified as top contributors, while from a sectoral perspective, the manufacture of nonmetallic mineral products, smelting and pressing of metals, and transportation, storage, posts, and telecommunications are the largest energy suppliers. The upstream examination indicates that self-digestion is an obvious and dominant energy use behavior for most regions, while the relative importance of sectoral suppliers changes regularly with the increase in upstream stages. The energy capture that occurred in the cross-regional energy transfers indicates that Zhejiang and Hebei are the national leading net importer and net exporter of energy use in China's building sector, respectively. Highlights • Develop a multi-dimensional framework to characterize industrial energy flows. • Identify leading regions and sectors with biggest energy contributions. • Explore energy use characteristics through upstream supply chain. • Explore energy capture occurred in the cross-regional energy transfers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The objective of this study is to identify and prioritize the performance outcomes (POs) due to adoption of SC remanufacturing critical success factors (CSFs). CSFs and the POs realized due do SC remanufacturing adoption, are identified based on past relevant literature analysis and subsequent discussions with the expert decision panel. This research work propose a hybrid solution methodology namely fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and fuzzy Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), to prioritize the POs realized due to adoption of SC remanufacturing CSFs. Fuzzy AHP technique is used to obtain the relative weights of the CSFs by performing pair wise comparison amongst the criteria, while fuzzy TOPSIS is used to prioritize the POs due to adoption of SC remanufacturing CSFs. Further, the proposed methodological framework is applied to an Indian manufacturing organization to demonstrate its applicability, and prioritize the POs realized due to adoption of SC remanufacturing CSFs. The study presents more accurate, structured and systematic approach to the organization for improving its POs step-by-step through adoption of SC remanufacturing CSFs, thus increasing its sustenance capability. The impact of vagueness in the criterion weights on the prioritization is also investigated. Graphical abstract Image 10919 Highlights • Identify SC remanufacturing critical success factors (CSFs) and the performance outcomes (POs) realized due to its adoption. • A hybrid fuzzy AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS approach is used to evaluate the CSFs and POs. • Fuzzy AHP is used to determine SC remanufacturing CSFs weight while fuzzy TOPSIS is used to prioritize the POs. • Sensitivity analysis is carried out to check the robustness of POs prioritization due to variation of CSFs weights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In December 2015 the European Commission adopted the Circular Economy Package that includes legislative proposals on waste as well as long-term targets to reduce landfilling and increase recycling and reuse. A detailed and comprehensive accounting of waste arisings forms the quantitative basis for designing adequate policy instruments for a Circular Economy. The aim of this paper is to estimate total waste generation throughout the supply chain in Spain by applying an input-output based hybrid Life Cycle Assessment model. Both the waste generated by direct suppliers and indirect suppliers (that is, suppliers to suppliers) are estimated. The results show that there is high concentrations in total waste generation both in terms of sectors and waste types so the government should concentrate its waste prevention strategy on those sectors and types of waste that have a higher impact on total waste generation. Highlights • Total waste generation throughout the supply chain is estimated. • A high concentration both in terms of sectors and of waste types is found. • Waste prevention strategies should take into account total waste generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study presents the results of audits of social responsibility management systems according to SA 8000 standard carried out in 35 units of seven Brazilian organizations, in the fields of construction industry, financial institution, sugar and alcohol industry, printing, telemarketing and public administration, totaling 230,561 workers in the audited scopes, addressing medium and large size companies. An analysis of the main points of improvement and items associated with the difficulties of implementation and management was carried out, verifying that the requirements of SA 8000:2008 with lower adherence in terms of non-compliance are: "Item 3 Occupational health and safety"€, the item with the greatest difficulty of attendance in all segments and sizes of organizations, and the second largest item not met was the qualification and control of suppliers. As organizations, to obtain certification, must correct these problems and solve the requirements that their suppliers do not meet, this causes a great impact in the supply chain of these companies, since the suitability is extended to subcontracted companies impacting working conditions and increasing the degree of compliance with legislation throughout the production chain, with the improvement of working conditions in subcontracted companies, where often the working conditions are not adequate and legislation is not met. These results demonstrate the need to make social responsibility management systems more efficient, investing in actions to address non-compliances and improve management throughout the supply chain. Highlights • SA 8000, main challenges in Brazil: safe working conditions and supply chain management. • Brazilian companies have common challenges in CSR management, even in different sectors location and organizational dimension. • Certification impacts working conditions and compliance throughout production chain. • Certification improves in relationships due to the opening of communication channels. • CSR system increases transparency and employee satisfaction at work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supply chain enterprises can solve the cost problem caused by emission reduction through the pledge financing of carbon emission rights. This paper aims to optimize the pricing and ordering strategy and carbon reduction decision of the supply chain based on the pledge financing of carbon emission rights, establishes the expected revenue model of the manufacturer and the retailer, and analyzes the mechanism of the carbon reduction decision of the supply chain on its pricing and ordering strategy, expected revenue and revenue distribution strategy. The results illustrate that the optimal order quantity and the optimal wholesale price maximize the expected revenue of the retailer and the manufacturer, regardless of whether the pledge financing of carbon emission rights is introduced. With the adoption of the pledge financing of carbon emission rights, there is an optimal amount of carbon emission reduction per unit of the product to maximize the optimal order quantity. When both order quantity and wholesale price are optimal, the present value of expected revenue for the retailer and the manufacturer increases with the amount of carbon reduction per unit of product. The upper and lower limits of the retailer's share of sales revenue rise and fall as the amount of carbon reduction per unit of product increases, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change impacts in one country can lead to impacts in distant locations, for example, via internationally traded crops. Previous work has highlighted a need to include cross-border climate change impacts in climate risk assessments, to describe the exposure and transmission of cross-border climate risk across actors, and understand options for managing this risk. In a case study of the Brazil-Europe soy supply chain, this paper aims to explore how stakeholders perceive past and future shocks, how climate change impacts affect stakeholders differently, and how they might respond. Soy is a key internationally traded commodity and Europe relies on imports for the majority of its soy consumption, used widely in livestock feed. Via 96 semi-structured expert interviews, we found different stakeholder groups are vulnerable to different types of weather shocks, experience different price and supply consequences, and have different capacities to respond. While some responses can reduce risk of impacts across the supply chain (e.g. new soy cultivars, improving transport infrastructure), we also identified examples where responses exacerbate risk for other stakeholders (e.g. export bans, changing demand). A holistic cross-border approach to analysing risk in the soy supply chain can help avoid maladaptation and offer opportunities for more collaborative adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, scholars and practitioners have discussed several challenges related to the fresh-food supply chains (SCs). One of these challenges is the lack of availability of curated, clean, and processed market information for the SC participants to use to aid in their decision-making process. For example, small growers often feel uncertain because they have little insight into which crops to plant so they will have a market to sell them to. Consequently, some growers are only able to sell parts of their harvest or decide not to harvest at all which causes food waste. This work aims to create a centralized market intelligence platform to acquire market information, curate it, analyze it, and connect this platform to the rest of an emerging intelligent supply chain. It is essential to take into consideration market intelligence to reduce losses related to market prices and demands, avoid scarcity events in which food availability and affordability decrease, and aid small growers by alerting them of future market opportunities A market intelligence layered system framework is developed in this work to collect relevant market indicator data including non-traditional data sources, monitor them, diagnose the market's state, and provide recommendations to the SC participants such as which crops and markets will be most promising in the future. A case study based on the 2019 market event in which celery prices increased across the United States terminal markets is provided. Through the case study, the proposed market intelligence framework is illustrated with focus on the first three layers: data collection, processing, and monitoring. Furthermore, the case study illustrates the usefulness of monitoring non-traditional data to identify market events with greater anticipation. Results indicate that the monitoring of non-traditional data was able to capture the anomalous event with greater time of anticipation than another traditional data source. • Development of a market intelligence layered framework to identify market opportunities in agricultural markets. • Extracting, processing, and monitoring market leading indicators to identify disruptive events in the agricultural markets. • Illustration of the proposed framework via a case study of a real market disruption that occurred in 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays sustainability is receiving increasing attention, and particularly circular economy (CE) principles' applications within industrial sectors. However, a comprehensive exploration of CE-oriented applications – i.e., circular business models (CBMs) and circular supply chains (CSCs), – in the shipbuilding sector is actually missing, differently from other engineering-to-order industries, such as constructions. Considering the relevance of the sector, this study proposes a first step in filling up this gap through the systematic analysis of recent engineering and management literature on CE strategies within shipbuilding. As main result, we present applicable CE-oriented strategies and related supporting technologies, mainly referable to circular design, end-of-life, operations and inventory management oriented to product-life extension through effective disassembling. In addition, sustainability-oriented resource management represent essential activities in supporting the transition by focusing on eco-materials and waste reduction. Lastly, we highlight that the CE application is facilitated by dedicated supporting technologies, underscoring the importance of sustainability-oriented digitalization for the creation of social, environmental, and economic value for this strategic sector. The proposed solutions might orient shipbuilding companies in activating the transition towards circularity, even though predominantly focused on economic and environmental sustainability/circularity than social aspects. The presence of limited examples of applied circular solutions reduce the exploration of all possible solutions related to shipbuilding, asking for more applied studies and on-field exploration of the topic. • Applicability of circular economy in shipbuilding counts on digital technologies. • Identification of circular business models and circular supply chain strategies for shipbuilding. • Need of circular economy-oriented explorative studies in the sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supply Chain Characteristics (SCC) drive the city logistics to control the economic activities that support urban life and transformation. The dynamics of freight trip activity and SCC in city logistics are less understood by city planners, disrupting the prediction of urban Freight Trip Generation (FTG) models. To develop robust urban FTG models, the present study introduces the concept of estimating the freight trip activity using observed and unobserved (subjective) information of SCC for sustainable urban transport movement. Traditionally, the objective variable excludes the unobserved information of SCC while developing the FTG model; this gap can be addressed by incorporating subjective variables to measure both observed and unobserved information of SCC. A unique framework was designed by a combination of objective and subjective variables through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to estimate the freight trip activity. An Establishment Based Freight Survey (EBFS) collected from an Indian smart city (1793 samples) comprising various SCC was used to test the developed framework. Deployed EFA can identify the subjective variables using latent constructs to explain the observed and unobserved information in the SCC. Then, sequential execution of SEM with hypothesis path structure for estimating the freight trip activity. The direct, indirect, and total effects of the FTG model revealed added advantage of causal inter-relationship of urban freight trip activity and SCC between intermediate and pure receiver establishment. The developed FTG models using observed and unobserved information of SCC predicted freight trip activity with an accuracy of 57% for intermediate and 63% for pure receiver establishment. The effect of SSC on freight trip activity aids in creating sustainable urban freight transportation that could be an agile, responsive, and flexible adaptive system for the global market demand. [Display omitted] • Robust framework to develop Freight Trip Generation (FTG) model. • Explored Supply Chain Characteristics (SCC) & freight trip activity relationship. • Novel Methodology: EFA and SEM to extract observed and unobserved SCC data. • FTG Model accuracy: 57% in intermediate & 63% in pure receiver establishment. • Valuable insights are presented for practitioners to promote sustainable policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Given the tendency of the world production and service organizations towards the development of a sustainable supply chain, the lack of concern for sustainability risks threatens the future of organizations. In this paper, a comprehensive and credible framework is proposed for managing the sustainability risks of the supply chain for telecommunications companies, based on a new approach to sustainability. In fact, the risks on different echelons of the telecommunication supply chain were identified based on a five-dimensional approach to the sustainability as a strong well-known method. As a case study, some major Iranian internet service providers were studied and analyzed to this approach by using failure mode and effects analysis method. After identifying the root causes and potential consequences of each risk, a treatment was proposed based on the capacities of the industry. As a result, the most dangerous sustainability risks in the considered telecommunication companies are technical and institutional ones, which account for almost 66% of the critical risks. Also, suppliers with a 53% share of critical risks are the most threatening to sustain the supply chain in these companies. The proposed framework, which is not only used by managers and experts in the telecommunications industry, but can also it can be adjusted to any other industry by related managers to maintain the sustainability of the supply chain performance in the long term. Furthermore, it can serve as a platform for future research in this field for researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managing highly evolved supply chains and maintaining environmental sustainability at the same time is not easy, especially when it is vulnerable to various disruption risks. In the event of a disruption, the sustainability of a supply chain will be compromised as a consequence of attempting to quickly recover from the disruption with minimal costs. However, a balance can be achieved between sustainability and recovery. Companies can maintain its sustainability, while recovering its operations with a comprehensive analysis of the decision criteria for the intended system. This study presents a recovery model of a two-stage serial supply chain subject to supply disruption with consideration of safety stock and carbon emission. The system consists of a single manufacturer and a single retailer, while the carbon emission consideration is from the transportation activities during the recovery cycle. The model is capable of determining the new recovery schedule of the manufacturer and the retailer, the optimal safety stock level, and the carbon emission cost impact during recovery. The results show that for a range of short disruption periods, the optimal safety stock level is significantly affected by the holding cost values. Furthermore, the cost of carbon emission is dependent on the number of recovery cycles, the distance between supply chain entities, and the social cost of carbon at the time of the disruption. A comparison of two disruption scenarios with different transportation arrangement illustrates a solution for a better recovery plan with faster recovery cycles, lower total recovery cost, and without any change to carbon emission cost impact. This study contributes to the supply disruption literature with the findings on how safety stock and environmental effect consideration affect the disruption recovery decision-making process in term of lot sizing and transportation arrangement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European consumers are increasingly concerned about palm oil production, yet the uptake of certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO) has been slow. Labelling systems have been proposed to increase sustainable consumption, but they usually require segregated supply chains and push certified products into niche markets. In contrast, this study introduces mass balancing as a product differentiation strategy that drops the stringent requirement of segregation and aims for the mainstream market. Mass balance (MB) supply chains enable certified and non-certified palm oil to be mixed and processed together, while the product carries a sustainability label. Its cost effectiveness helps accelerate the uptake of a certification standard by processors, but the catch lies with consumers who can no longer be sure about the sustainability of palm oil in certified products. The aim of this study is therefore to assess how consumers trade off transparency in oil palm markets (i.e., certainty about the physical presence of CSPO) against retail price. The results of a choice experiment using chocolate bars suggest that consumers prefer products from segregated supply chains. Loss of transparency as inherent in MB products reduces consumer valuation, but all but the low-price shoppers prefer MB products to unlabeled alternatives. There is, therefore, a case for labelling MB products. The fact that consumers favor a guaranteed minimum of CSPO in MB products should be taken into account when developing partial product claims. The article concludes with implications for the uptake of sustainability standards in cost-driven commodity markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fashion companies are extremely sensitive to the new challenge emerging from recent sustainability scandals. Existing literature has debated sustainability extensively by considering practices of sustainability that companies should apply. However, little research has focused on the design of a proper sustainability roadmap from a supply chain (SC) perspective to address the steps involved in implementing sustainability practices. The objective of this study is to design a sustainability roadmap for fashion companies. Based on case studies of three tiers of three fashion SCs as an empirical basis, social and environmental sustainability practices were grouped into a five-step roadmap. The main result of the paper is a five-step roadmap, characterised in terms of practices and main goal. The roadmap is then discussed in terms of possible paths of developing, in terms of evolution within a step and among different steps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to present an analysis of the academic literature addressing Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) practices in developing countries. A systematic literature review method was adopted; selected papers were reviewed from 2000 to 2016 that matched our inclusion criteria. Common themes across the literature were identified covering four factors regarding the adoption of SSCM: drivers, barriers, mechanisms and outcomes. A conceptual model integrating these factors and based on institutional theory was advanced to explain the adoption of sustainability practices along supply chains in developing countries. The paper concludes by identifying gaps in the literature that require further research on this topic, particularly for the context of developing countries. To the best of our knowledge this is the first paper reviewing the existing research on SSCM in developing countries that includes both social and environmental dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Redesign can reduce the environmental impact generated by product packaging. The literature presents the elements to be observed in a packaging redesign, as well as the important role of the retailer in delivering more sustainable outcomes through consideration of product packaging. However, the literature is almost silent on the motivations, opportunities and barriers faced by the retailers that try to improve the packaging of the items sold in their stores. To fill this gap, a case study approach was adopted which investigated a global supermarket chain through interviews with senior management and participant observation. Findings suggest that the greatest motivation to the packaging redesign seems to be the economic gains (for the supermarket and its suppliers), which co-generate environmental gains. The opportunities include the adjustment of the packaging size or type. Sizes could be increased when consumers buy more than one package during a single visit to the supermarket, or reduced when consumers discard part of a perishable product without consuming it (due to over-large packaging). Barriers result from commercial uncertainties associated with: how the new packaging will affect the sales of other items? How the new design will influence the number of times that a consumer visits the supermarket? And how the new design will affect the amount of money spent by the consumer on each visit? Further studies could investigate: how to mitigate these uncertainties? How to leverage sustainability based on the economic focus? How to identify redesign opportunities among thousands of sold items? And how to better convince the suppliers that reject the supermarket proposals? The understanding developed from the case study has facilitated the derivation of a number of propositions aiming to leverage sustainability gains from packaging redesign in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethical procurement of laboratory supplies is a neglected, but vital issue for the ethical development of new alternative energy technologies. This is important from the earliest development stages in alternative energy research due to potential impacts from the commercialization of products into global mass production. The authors constructed a framework for examining risk-based, supply chain due diligence in higher education laboratory research. The focus was on materials which present ethical risks - including ‘conflict minerals’ and ‘critical materials’, with the latter including rare earth elements. These materials can potentially have security of supply issues and/or cause social, conflict and environmental impacts including human rights abuses. The authors applied the framework to one year's procurement of materials at two Australian universities' laboratories, researching battery storage and solar energy and identified suppliers, and suppliers' policies on procurement of materials with potential risks. In search of best-practices in higher education policies on laboratory procurement, the authors analyzed procurement and supply chain policies from four Australian universities involved in alternative energy materials research, and identified emerging international, higher educational procurement policies for conflict minerals. Key issues regarding critical materials, and regulatory approaches to conflict minerals were discussed, leading to proposed actions for Higher Educational leaders to enhance ethical alternative energy research procurement and subsequent product innovation. This reinforces the importance of research strategy including materials choices. In other words, “it is important to get it right at an early stage”. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The industrial supply chain is a significant consumer of limited energy resources worldwide. Companies have been encouraged to reduce energy costs by restructuring their logistics network, improving their transportation asset fuel efficiency, and reducing travel distance. The recent evolution of synchromodal supply chains has focused on flexible transportation modes as a new option for supply chain managers to reduce the total energy cost. Illustrating the monetary advantages of such reconfigurations will guide decision makers to get the most from all available options. In this paper, the process of modeling and developing a user-friendly, customizable tool for supply chain decision makers called the Synchromodal Supply Chain Energy Analysis tool (SySCEA) is presented. SySCEA enables the analysis of the overall environmental and economic effects due to supply chain fuel consumption and changing network configuration as it relates to order quantity, demand quantity, product size, packaging, mode and transportation assets. Currently, SySCEA supports up to five arc/routes, plus the first and last mile, for a synchromodal supply chain. However, due to the modular nature of the tool it is simple to extend it to larger networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. This work evaluates the exploitation of four different types of waste for the production of biogas and fertilizer using a feedback multiscale analysis approach. The yield of sludge, manure, municipal solid wastes (MSW) and lignocellulosic residues is evaluated and the kinetics of the anaerobic digestion of each of these residues is determined by performing a parameter estimation using experimental data. It turns out that hydrolysis is the limiting stage. Next, a techno-economic evaluation of a processing facility is carried out. Finally a supply network model is developed to evaluate the optimal use of the residues over a region in Spain. The network is formulated as a mixed integer linear programming problem selecting the type of residue, the number and size of the digesters and the location of the plants across 59 shires of a particular region in Spain for the available budget. MSW is the selected waste due to its wide availability and large yield to fertilizer. Lignocellulosic residues are the second best option. Only intrashire transport is suggested. The shires selected for waste processing are rather scattered as a function of the resources available and the already installed facilities. However, the amount of residues available can provide more than three times the region demand for natural gas, but the budget required adds up to more than 4.4 ·10 9 € [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In agricultural commodity chains, companies with sizeable market shares are stepping up sustainability commitments through so-called ‘No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation’ (NDPE) policies – yet the delivery is fraught with difficulties. Drawing on theories of hybrid public-private governance this paper explores how commodity chain actors themselves view the limitations of private regulation and the prospects for more effective supply-chain governance. As a case study, we present interview data from the palm oil commodity chains linking growers in Riau Province, Sumatra, Indonesia, with retailers in Europe. The findings demonstrate awareness of shortcomings in existing arrangements and the need for a stronger presence of both the Indonesian state and European governments. We discuss potential hybrid governance measures, highlighting the need for a pluralistic strategy that mobilizes the combined positive forces of civil society, business and government(s). We argue that, to advance such an agenda, hybrid governance must be conceptualized not simply as a matter of blending (and hence reifying) pre-existing and often highly problematic private and public institutions but as a question of how all such institutions may themselves be more thoroughly democratized in the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many countries have implemented carbon taxes to reduce carbon emissions, and provided subsidies for products that consume less energy. These governmental policies force manufacturing enterprises to emit less carbon during production and develop more energy-saving products. To examine how carbon taxes and energy-saving products subsidies affect enterprises' operational decisions, this study considers a manufacturer–retailer channel in which the manufacturer has the options to design a product to emit less carbon during production and use less energy when the product is consumed by customers. It is showed that governments’ energy-saving products subsidies stimulate reduction of carbon emissions and energy consumption, but this is not always true for carbon taxes, government should levy carbon taxes against manufacturers according to their pollution levels. Both carbon tax and subsidy policies can promote energy conservation and emission reduction if the initial carbon emission level of a manufacturer is low, but they have different promotional effects. Finally, in order to ensure the supply chain members cooperate and realise larger energy savings and emissions reductions, we propose a carbon-cost-sharing contract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) are critically dependent on the system boundaries, notably the choice of attributional or consequential modelling. Published LCA studies rarely specify and justify their modelling choices. Since LCA studies are typically performed within the context of social responsibility and product life cycle management, this article investigates the relationship between social responsibility paradigms and the system modelling choices in LCA. We identify three different social responsibility paradigms: Value chain responsibility, Supply chain responsibility and Consequential responsibility. We point out that while there is no generally right or wrong choice of system model, each responsibility paradigm implies a specific matching system model. We then argue that all responsibility paradigms ultimately imply a consequential perspective, namely that of responding to the concerns of the system stakeholders. Although value or supply chains are systems defined without concern for consequences, and thus may include activities that the decision maker cannot influence, the chosen system is still analysed and assessed by accounting for its social consequences, and it is for these consequences that social responsibility is then taken. We argue that it is inconsistent to exclude consequences of own actions (i.e. the consequential system) while including consequences from actions of others in value chain or supply chain. We thus conclude that a consistent socially responsible decision-maker must always take responsibility for the activities in the consequential product life cycle and may additionally take responsibility for the consequences of other activities in the value chain or supply chain. We end the article with recommendations on reporting on LCA system models that are more specific than those of the current LCA standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]