Simulation-Based Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Sustainable Supply Chains—Re-Design in an Approach to Supply Chain Strategy

Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyze emissions in the supply chain and to identify, based on a literature analysis, which supply chain strategies could contribute to reducing these emissions. A broad spectrum of new supply chain strategy solutions was identified and, based on simulations of selected products, conclusions were drawn and the advantages and disadvantages of theoretical solutions were presented for individual cases. A critical analysis of the literature and simulation methods were used to illustrate the problem presented in this paper, to identify the factors causing greenhouse gas emissions and to draw conclusions in the form of proposals to redesign existing strategies, considering the factors determining the increase in pollution caused by the performed logistics processes. The results of the simulations and the literature analysis indicate that solutions related to the redesign of strategies must consider the specificity of the product and the nature of the chain. Not all proposed strategies are applicable to all chains, and each new strategy must be carefully considered and consider many factors. An important element to reduce the negative environmental impact of chains is a well-thought-out relationship with suppliers, a well-chosen and adapted logistics infrastructure, including means of transport. The presented solutions clearly indicate that the environmental aspect plays an increasingly important role in chain management and influences the applied chain strategies. However, reducing the environmental impact of a chain is not a revolutionary approach and an easy-to-implement strategy change, but a well-thought-out, long-term process that considers the specifics of the products, the possibilities of alternative sourcing and distribution modes, and the need to invest in logistics infrastructure to make it as environmentally neutral as possible.

Research on Decision-making and Coordination Mechanism of Low-carbon Supply Chain Led by Retailers under Information Asymmetry

“…(2) The coordination and cooperation of the low-carbon supply chain. (3) The low-carbon supply chain operation under the situation of information asymmetry.…”

“…As consumers' environmental awareness is continuously strengthening, the low-carbon degree of products has become an important part of consumers' utility, which provides enterprises with opportunities to low-carbon products, thus changing the cost and demand functions of enterprises. It will also have a significant impact on the production methods, operation strategies, competition and cooperation strategies among enterprises of the supply chain (Tundys and Wisniewski, 2021).…”

Design of Supply Chain Transportation Pooling Strategy for Reducing CO2 Emissions Using a Simulation-Based Methodology: A Case Study

“…Tundys and Winiewski [34] affirmed that the important element to reduce the negative environmental impact of chains is a well-thought-out relationship with suppliers, a wellchosen and adapted logistics infrastructure, including means of transport. In this research, only the CO 2 emissions related to the transport means is considered.…”

The Promoting Effect of Green Technology Innovations on Sustainable Supply Chain Development: Evidence from China’s Transport Sector

“…The concept of SSC has been proposed and widely followed by supply chain management researchers. Since then, scholars have discussed the sustainable supply chain (SSC) issues from the perspectives of contract designing, decision making, pricing strategies and so on, finding that technological innovation is an important factor in the development of SSCs [9,[17][18][19][20][21].…”