Title: Evolution of blockchain technology in sustainable supply chain management: a theoretical perspective

Authors: Jayson Wilson Barretti; Ricardo Coser Mergulhão; Juliana Veiga Mendes

Addresses: Industrial Engineering Program, PPGEP – So, Federal University of Sao Carlos, Joao Leme dos Santos, km. 110, Itinga, 18072-780 Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil ' Industrial Engineering Program, PPGEP – So, Federal University of Sao Carlos, Joao Leme dos Santos, km. 110, Itinga, 18072-780 Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil ' Industrial Engineering Program, PPGEP – So, Federal University of Sao Carlos, Joao Leme dos Santos, km. 110, Itinga, 18072-780 Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract: This article aims to identify the relationships and applications of blockchain technology in sustainable supply chain management and reverse logistics in the literature supporting recycling processes and the reuse of waste. The methodology was based on the planning and execution of a systematic literature review and the discussion of the results of the exploratory research. It was found that emerging technologies allow viable implementations of blockchain architectures in logistics networks, favouring sustainable processes, mitigating intrinsic problems in logistics networks, and allowing circular practices. However, the effective implementation of blockchain faces barriers such as low environmental awareness, disbelief in the effectiveness of this technology, and low technical capacity of human resources. Given the novelty of the subject, more scientific studies should be produced on the traceability of waste in recycling and reuse processes with evidence of the benefits associated with blockchain in the reverse and sustainable chain.

Keywords: reverse logistics; circular economy; Industry 4.0; systematic literature review; traceability; decentralisation; smart contracts.

DOI: 10.1504/WRITR.2023.137457

World Review of Intermodal Transportation Research, 2023 Vol.11 No.4, pp.396 - 414

Received: 14 Apr 2023
Accepted: 07 Aug 2023
Published online: 19 Mar 2024 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article