Low Carbon Economy in Sustainable Supply Chain Development

Dear Colleagues,

The pursuit of a low-carbon economy has become a global imperative, driven by the urgent need to mitigate the impacts of climate change and transition towards more sustainable practices. Supply chains, as the backbone of economic activities, play a pivotal role in this transformation. A range of studies have explored the development and implementation of low-carbon supply chains in the context of sustainable economies. Luo (2022) provides a comprehensive analysis of the literature, identifying key research clusters and future directions. Li (2011) emphasizes the need for a low-carbon logistics system, while Govindan (2017) highlights the challenges and opportunities in emerging economies. Sherafati (2020) proposes a model for sustainable supply chain development, incorporating carbon regulatory mechanisms. Shen (2021) highlights the potential of carbon trading mechanisms in the e-commerce supply chain, particularly in reducing carbon emissions and promoting regional sustainable developments. Ding (2023) presents a low-carbon economic model that optimizes carbon emissions and economic costs in the supply chain, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing both. These studies collectively underscore the importance of low-carbon supply chains in achieving sustainable economic development. The transition to low-carbon economies and sustainable supply chains is a complex process that involves various industries. Mao (2017) found that both internal and external low-carbon integration can improve environmental performance, with quality management playing a moderating role. Gracht (2016) emphasized the need for a focus on environmental concerns in the design of future supply chains, particularly in the transportation and logistics industry. Sun (2020) highlighted the importance of considering the lag time of emission reduction technologies and the low-carbon preferences of consumers in the construction of low-carbon supply chains. These studies emphasize the vital importance of Industry 4.0 and 5.0 in catalysing the transition towards low-carbon economies and sustainable supply chains. We are pleased to announce a call for papers for a Special Issue focused on the intersection of low-carbon economies and sustainable supply chain development.

 This Special Issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research, innovative strategies, and best practices that address the challenges and opportunities in transitioning supply chains towards a low-carbon economy. We invite contributions that explore various aspects of sustainable supply chain management, including but not limited to the following:

• Decarbonization strategies for supply chain operations;
• Carbon footprint measurement and reduction techniques;
• Circular economy principles and closed-loop supply chains;
• Renewable energy integration and energy-efficient logistics;
• Sustainable sourcing and procurement practices;
• Carbon pricing mechanisms and emission trading schemes;
• Collaboration and stakeholder engagement for low-carbon supply chains;
• Regulatory frameworks and policy implications;
• Role of Industries 4.0 and 5.0 in leading the transition toward low-carbon economies and sustainable supply chains.

The scope of this Special Issue encompasses theoretical, empirical, and applied research from diverse disciplines, including operations management, logistics, environmental science, economics, and public policy. We welcome submissions that offer novel perspectives, innovative methodologies, and data-driven insights into the development and implementation of low-carbon strategies within supply chains across various industries and sectors.

 The primary purpose of this Special Issue is to advance the understanding and dissemination of knowledge related to the role of supply chains in enabling a low-carbon economy. By bringing together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, we aim to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, stimulate critical dialogue, and promote the adoption of sustainable practices that drive economic growth while minimizing environmental impact.

Through this Special Issue, we seek to accomplish the following:

1. Highlight the latest research and best practices in low-carbon supply chain development.
2. Identify emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in the transition towards a low-carbon economy.
3. Promote cross-disciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing among academia, industry, and policymakers.
4. Provide a platform for disseminating innovative solutions and strategies that can accelerate the transition to a sustainable future.

We invite high-quality submissions that contribute to the advancement of knowledge and practical applications in this critically important field. Manuscripts should follow the journal’s guidelines and undergo a rigorous peer-review process to ensure the highest standards of quality and relevance.

Together, we can pave the way for supply chains that are not only efficient and competitive but also environmentally responsible, contributing to a sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Dr. Vipul Jain
Dr. Amirhossein Mostofi
Dr. Pankaj Sharma
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• green supply chain
• carbon foot print
• carbon management
• green technology
• sustainable supply chains
• green economy
• economic growth