Blockchain Technology: The Role of Integrated Reverse Supply Chain Networks in Sustainability

Abstract

This research explores the role of Blockchain Technology (BCT) integrated with Reverse Supply Chain Networks (RSCN) and evaluates the relationship between BCT and sustainability performance. A qualitative research design was employed to develop a conceptual framework for BCT in RSCN. This research collected and analysed primary and secondary data from four cases as focal-actors. These focal-actors are from multi-industries in Jordan, namely food, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and toys. These actors are lead-firms and have experience working with RSCNs and technology applications such as BCT. Primary data were acquired from interviews with managers working in these industries, which were supported by the analysis of secondary data that identified two types of themes: internally focused and externally focused BCTintegrated drivers of RSCNs. The analysis also identified how they leverage sustainability performance improvements, including their use of RSCN approaches and features. This research is one of the few attempts to explore BCT integrated into RSCN for better sustainability performance that contributes to the theoretical and practical knowledge of supply chains within emerging economies. All types of actors-as-stakeholders involved with national programs and projects can adopt the new framework. The key findings contribute to the field of RSCN where the adoption of BCT as a broad-based strategy to attain sustainability goals and reverse chain activities along the supply chain is a goal.

The role of blockchain-enabled supply chain applications in improving supply chain performance: the case of Jordanian manufacturing sector

“…Some of the BT applications used by Jordanian companies include reveres applications and circular certifications, traceability of processes, circular economy and origin of energy. Besides, automated actions such as deletion of user data, isolation of infrastructure from the internet and automated closure of network ports, smart contractual conditions and smart contract, new identity concept such as identity of users of products and digital service and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) transactions through sharing electronics and IoT applications (Jraisat et al , 2022). A study conducted on business organizations in Jordan's economic sectors showed that there is a recognition of the importance of using BT in completing transactions, and that using BT contributes to lowering the cost of services and increasing transaction speed, thereby increasing operational efficiency in Jordan's economic sectors (Al-Khasawneh, 2022).…”

Sustainability in the pharmaceutical industry—An assessment of sustainability maturity and effects of sustainability measure implementation on supply chain security

“…For pharmaceutical corporations, it is crucial to close the implementation gap on the E ‐dimension so that supply chain security is not risked when regulations force certain measures upon them. Closing this gap can be supported by leveraging technologies and tools, such as Blockchain or digital supply chain networks, to work against the challenge of traceability in emissions and pollution (Jraisat et al, 2023; Sharma et al, 2022). Considering the strong interconnection among different types of companies in the pharmaceutical supply chain, it is essential to close existing maturity gaps between companies to limit the potential negative supply chain security impact of upcoming regulatory enforcements.…”

“…These regulatory enforcements target the entire supply chain and thus require every player to react accordingly to limit supply chain disruptions. The argument that supply chains will become more and more interconnected in the move toward sustainability is in line with the increasing transition toward circular economies and reversed supply chain networks (Agrawal et al, 2022;Jraisat et al, 2023).…”

“…Understanding such effects is especially interesting in light of two significant transitions supply chains are going through. First, the switch toward a circular economy (Jaeger & Upadhyay, 2020) and the development of reverse supply chain networks (Jraisat et al, 2023). While there is a heterogeneity in making this shift between companies (Jaeger & Upadhyay, 2020), it is particularly challenging in industries in which product purity matters (Upadhyay, Laing, et al, 2021), such as the pharmaceutical industry.…”

Optimisation of multi‐tier supply chain distribution networks with corporate social responsibility concerns in fast‐fashion retail

“…Accordingly, this study could stimulate researchers' motivation in various areas. First, future work can focus on sustainable supply chain management in the Industry 4.0 era (Mukhuty et al, 2022; Srivastava et al, 2022) given the digitalisation challenges (Jraisat et al, 2022; Sharma et al, 2022) and the emergence of circular economy (Agrawal et al, 2021; Jaeger & Upadhyay, 2020). Future research may investigate other case studies in which the applicability of these CSR aspects would be more comprehensive, especially following the pandemic (Fares & Lloret, 2022, 2023; Fares, Lloret, Kumar, Frederico, Kumar, et al, 2023).…”