Greening the supply chain: Leveraging additive manufacturing for sustainable risk management

Abstract

Modern supply chains face multifaceted risks due to their intricate nature, often leading to disruptions that ripple across the entire chain. However, in the era of Industry 4.0, innovative technologies such as additive manufacturing technology (AMT) promise to enhance supply chain sustainability and address environmental concerns. This study investigates the potential of AMT in mitigating supply chain risks (SCRs) through a comprehensive risk assessment framework employing the best‐worst method (BWM). Our analysis encompasses 14 SCRs grouped into four SCR categories. Analysis of the outcome reveals that AMT adoption has the most significant impact in addressing risks related to lead time fluctuations, waste generation, supplier dependency, inventory‐related risks, and logistics‐related risks. Notably, the adoption of AMT emerges as a robust strategy, significantly impacting these critical risk areas, thereby aligning with the principles of supply chain sustainability, strategic environmental management, and fostering innovation in green technologies. The implications of this study offer invaluable insights for researchers and practitioners, emphasizing the pivotal role of AMT in addressing environmental risks and promoting sustainable supply chain practices. By understanding and leveraging the potential of AMT, businesses can strategically navigate supply chain challenges while embracing environmentally conscious approaches, driving positive impacts across industries.