Impact of blockchain technology on green supply chain practices: evidence from emerging economy

Abstract

PurposeThis study investigates the impact of blockchain technology on green supply chain practices with the aim to promote pro-environmental settings in supply chains of manufacturing firms. Moreover, mediating role of environmental orientation is examined between blockchain technology and green supply chain practices. Also, moderating role of technological orientation in this connection is undertaken.Design/methodology/approachThe authors have applied a quantitative methodology in which a questionnaire was developed from literature. After that, data are collected from manufacturing firms of Malaysia. The data collected are analysed by using PLS-SEM in which multiple regression and moderation are applied.FindingsThe results of this study confirm the positive impact of blockchain on green supply chain practices. Also, the mediating role of environmental orientation is revealed in this relationship. Moreover, technological orientation is confirmed as a moderator which strengthens the relationship between blockchain technology and green supply chain practices.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has collected data from manufacturing firms of Malaysia. However, the authors have not undertaken service sector firms. Thus, they recommend future researchers to consider service sector firms in this context. Moreover, they have taken SMEs for this study and have neglected large firms. Therefore, in future, large firms could be taken to test the current study's perspective in them. Furthermore, this study suggests to the policymaker and managers, especially of manufacturing concerns, to infuse Industry 4.0 technologies such as blockchain technology because of its manifold benefits.Practical implicationsThis study suggests to the policymaker and managers, especially of manufacturing concerns, to infuse Industry 4.0 technologies such as blockchain technology because of its manifold benefits. First, it will enhance the integration across the streams of the supply chain; secondly, it will improve the demand and supply planning which will eliminate the extra production and will enable firms to adopt just-in-time production by saving various costs associated otherwise. Importantly, these processes are against the pro-environmental behaviour which is pivotal to achieve green supply chain practices.Originality/valueThis study contributes by joining the technological perspective of Industry 4.0 technologies and sustainability perspective of green supply chain in manufacturing concerns. In addition, the related concepts of technological orientation and environmental orientation are also undertaken to further adjoin the former fields. As a practical contribution, this study will, first, enhance the integration across the streams of supply chain; secondly it will improve the demand and supply planning which will eliminates the extra production and will enable firms to adopt just-in-time production by saving various costs associated otherwise. It is also suggested to instil pro-environmental behaviour or environmental orientation in the employees at all levels of firm. Moreover, technological orientation should also be improved by emphasizing on the importance of technology for environmentally friendly and green supply chain practices.

Blockchain technologies as enablers of supply chain mapping for sustainable supply chains

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The Impact of Renewable Energy on Carbon Neutrality for the Sustainable Environment: Role of Green Finance and Technology Innovations

“…Second, the requirements and patterns of behaviour of private households change as a result of urbanization. Families in urban areas are more likely to rely on goods and services provided by businesses (M. Mubarik et al, 2021a). The ongoing expansion of energy consumption, such as heating installations and electric appliances, is a significant contributor to the production of greenhouse gases (GHG).…”

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

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“…technology(Queiroz and Wamba 2019;Queiroz, Telles, and Bonilla 2019;Mubarik et al 2021;Jraisat et al 2022a). …”