Mathematical Optimisation for Sustainable Supply Chains: From Network Design to Carbon Reduction

Dear Colleagues,

Supply chains are under increasing pressure to reach net-zero emissions while still being able to operate and generate revenue. This Special Issue focusses on the mathematical and computational foundations of sustainable value chain design using advanced optimisation methods and exact solution techniques. This focus differs from previous approaches, which mostly address technology adoption or broad sustainability frameworks.

This Special Issue uniquely connects operations research and sustainability science by focussing on rigorous quantitative methods like mixed-integer programming, deterministic optimisation, and evolutionary algorithms to solve complex supply chain problems with environmental goals. Digital technologies and the principles of a circular economy are changing business models. Our main goal is to create strong mathematical frameworks that can help professionals make decisions based on data regarding network design, inventory policies, distribution strategies, and carbon reduction efforts.

We are seeking contributions that push the boundaries of what can be accomplished regarding multi-objective optimisation for sustainable supply chains, where financial performance and environmental impact must be balanced. This includes novel applications for metaheuristics, exact methods for routing green vehicles and discovering the best location for a facility, and integrated models that optimise operational costs, carbon emissions, and service levels for both tactical and operational planning horizons.

Our focus is on the technical optimisation architecture that supports sustainable supply chain operations, which sets us apart from other special issues on renewable energy systems, general decision-making frameworks, or corporate sustainability practices. We are seeking strong theoretical contributions that have been tested using computers, real-world case studies that show measurable reductions in emissions, and new ways of dealing with the complexity of large, multi-echelon networks with sustainability constraints.

This Special Issue welcomes original research articles, reviews, and computational case studies. Research areas include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Mathematical optimisation models for carbon-constrained supply chain design;
• Mixed-integer programming formulations for green logistics and distribution;
• Multi-objective optimisation balancing cost, emissions, and service quality;
• Exact and deterministic methods for sustainable network configuration;
• Advanced metaheuristics (for complex sustainability problems;
• Integrated inventory-routing models with carbon considerations;
• Tactical and operational planning under emission constraints;
• Computational analysis of trade-offs between economic and environmental objectives;
• Solution algorithms for large-scale sustainable supply chain problems;
• Benchmarking studies comparing optimisation approaches for green logistics.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Reza Eslamipoor
Guest Editor

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