Overcoming barriers to supply chain decarbonization: case studies of first movers

Zhang, A. , Faizan Alvi, M., Gong, Y. and Wang, J. X. (2022) Overcoming barriers to supply chain decarbonization: case studies of first movers. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 186, 106536. (doi: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2022.106536)

Abstract

Excess greenhouse gas emissions from human and industrial activities are believed to be the key cause of catastrophic climate change. According to the United Nations, carbon neutrality by 2050 is the world's most urgent mission. Many countries recently made commitments to this mission; however, at a supply chain level, little is known about barriers to carbon neutrality, circumventing strategies, and their performance implications. This pioneering study addresses the knowledge gap by case studies of six first movers. We find four common barriers: “major upfront investment costs,” “lack of awareness,” “lack of expertise,” and “resistant mindset.” Small and medium-sized enterprises face additional barriers relating to “lack of support from supply chain partners” and “uncertainty in return on investment.” We find that most first movers achieved positive economic performance associated with their carbon neutrality initiatives. Based on the findings and the literature, we develop a framework and discuss practical implications for governments and businesses to jointly overcome barriers to supply chain decarbonization.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Zhang, Dr Abraham
• Authors: Zhang, A., Faizan Alvi, M., Gong, Y., and Wang, J. X.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
• Journal Name: Resources, Conservation and Recycling
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0921-3449
• ISSN (Online): 1879-0658
• Published Online: 15 July 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Resources, Conservation and Recycling 186:106536
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License