The move towards a new Circular Economy (CE) economic model has been advocated and supported in Portugal, however, there is limited research on this topic. To address this gap, a quantitative research based on an online survey was carried out among 99 Portuguese organizations, encompassing a wide range of sectors and sizes. The results show that CE is regarded as a strategic and relevant issue for profitability and value creation. Furthermore, the perception that it requires the adoption of new business models in addition to the classical “reduce, reuse and recycle” approach is growing. Moreover, based on the hypotheses raised, results suggest that the level of CE adoption is positively impacted by the status of the EMS (Environmental Management System) certification and the willingness to improve the environmental performance and achieve a sustainable business model. However, CE activities are still relatively modest and a friendlier context (fiscal, legal, organizational, etc.) and the stronger support from supply chain agents and consumers are required. Future research should focus on how to design and shape the transition from a linear to a CE economy and to ascertain if the positive attitude towards CE is materialized in changing the way business is done.

The main objective of the research and thinking presented in this study is to characterize the conditions and barriers related to the implementation of SDGs in supply chains. The explanation of the outlined research problem and the more detailed research issues prompted the authors to formulate the following auxiliary goals: identification and emphasis on the links between SSCM practices and UN SDGs and development of a model supporting the implementation of UN SDGs in SSCM. In summarizing our analysis of information from this field of inquiry, contributions to the literature include a new conceptual model, and a dynamic context for a three phased model for implementation of successful sustainable supply chain management initiatives. We provide a grounded approach for new theoretical insights that map supply chain practices for future research and performance measurement aligned with the United Nation's 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Pursuing sustainable development creates competitiveness for manufacturing firms in the market, however the financial pressure of adopting sustainable environmental practices is still a major concern. Few studies were found on the inter-relationships between supply chain management practices, environmental sustainability, and firm financial performance. Moreover, manufacturing companies are compelled by different pressure groups across the globe to maintain environmental standards while conducting their business and supply chain activities. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the impact of supply chain practices on environmental sustainability and financial performance. In addition, the role of environmental sustainability as a mediator between supply chain management and financial performance was analyzed to improve sustainable development. A well-designed questionnaire was administered to manufacturing companies in Jordan for data collection. A total of 376 responses were analyzed and the proposed hypotheses were tested by using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) approach. The results reveal that environmental sustainability was tested significantly and influenced by supply chain practices such as relationship with customers, postponement, level of information sharing, and information quality. Whereas environmental sustainability had a significant direct effect on financial performance. Finally, environmental sustainability mediated the relationship of all supply chain management practices with financial performance except strategic supplier partnership dimension. The study provides policy guidelines to decision makers while simultaneously assists the managers to improve sustainability practices in manufacturing companies.

The purpose of this research is to propose a Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) implementation framework grounded in a literature review while categorizing practices adopted by firms’ and industries. Given the evolution of the SSCM field and emerging trends, we examine why and how companies implement SSCM practices within a country context. The research methods employed in this study include theory building from a review of the literature and synthesis of insights regarding the design of SSCM implementation frameworks using multiple cases in Taiwan. The review of the literature, content analysis, and findings provide new insights into designing an implementation model, and generalizable models for reactive, cooperative, and dynamic SSCM implementation. Practical implications include but are not limited to the generalization of implementation frameworks in supply chain management, and opportunities to improve global practices. Our development of the conceptual framework complements existing theory by offering new knowledge on SSCM implementation practices. This study can help guide research, practitioners, and policymakers in future sustainability and supply chain management initiatives.

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