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Sustainable Supply Chain and Lean Manufacturing

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2023) | Viewed by 30295

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Industrial Management and Logistics, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University, 22363 Lund, Sweden
Interests: sustainable food supply chains; industry 4.0; food manufacturing; digitalisation of supply chains; circular economy; sustainable manufacturing

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Guest Editor
Sustainable Manufacturing Systems Centre, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
Interests: operational analysis and simulation; sustainable manufacturing; lean systems

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Guest Editor
Department of Operations and Supply Chain Management, National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE), Mumbai 400087, India
Interests: partner selection; collaborative network organization; managing supplier relations; service supply chain management; modeling and analysis of healthcare service operations; reverse logistics management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Amity School of Engineering and Technology, Amity University, Noida 201313, UP, India
Interests: sustainable manufacturing; smart manufacturing; lean manufacturing; supply chain

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This research topic addresses how supply chain actors will embrace Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and lean-related technologies to reduce waste and improve sustainability to cater to the increasing population. Several industries have implemented fourth industrial revolution technologies as well as lean methods to enhance their performance and efficiency. Industries are attempting to undergo a total transformation by adopting these technologies in order to meet the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Similarly, supply chain actors are experiencing tremendous pressure from consumers to be more transparent with all the activities that affect them. Likewise, they are also utilising I4.0 and lean technologies to add value to their existing systems, products, and services and comply with sustainability's environmental, social, and economic aspects. In this context, this Special Issue will focus on research that implements and adopts I4.0 technologies in the supply chain.

We welcome research papers focused on, but not limited to, the following topics:

  • Case studies for implementing I4.0 and lean solutions.
  • I4.0 or lean solutions highlighting improvements in resource efficiency and waste reduction.
  • Novel I4.0 and lean approaches and methodologies for enhancing sustainability.
  • The utilisation of I4.0 and lean technologies for monitoring, capturing, and analysing data and transparent sustainability reporting.
  • Applications that reduce material, energy, and water use and improve supply chain actors’ actions regarding auditing, eliminating slavery, ethical trades, and compliances.

Dr. Sandeep Jagtap
Dr. Mohamed Afy-Shararah
Dr. Rakesh Raut
Dr. Sumit Gupta
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • supply chain
  • resource efficiency
  • Industry 4.0
  • lean

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

2 pages, 157 KiB  
Editorial
Advancing Sustainability and Efficiency in Supply Chains: Insights from the Special Issue on Sustainable Supply Chain and Lean Manufacturing
by Sandeep Jagtap, Mohamed Afy-Shararah, Rakesh Raut and Sumit Gupta
Sustainability 2023, 15(20), 14990; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152014990 - 18 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1525
Abstract
Supply chains play a pivotal role in our global economy, connecting producers to consumers and influencing the environmental and social impacts of the products we consume [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Supply Chain and Lean Manufacturing)

Research

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19 pages, 946 KiB  
Article
Barriers of Lean Accounting Implementation in Polish Enterprises: DEMATEL Approach
by Anna Stronczek
Sustainability 2023, 15(15), 12008; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151512008 - 4 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2058
Abstract
Many manufacturing units make unsuccessful attempts to implement Lean Accountings in their management systems. Hence, such units must eliminate the prevailing lean accounting barriers to accomplish successful lean implementation. Moreover, the contextual relationship of lean accounting barriers must be studied to understand the [...] Read more.
Many manufacturing units make unsuccessful attempts to implement Lean Accountings in their management systems. Hence, such units must eliminate the prevailing lean accounting barriers to accomplish successful lean implementation. Moreover, the contextual relationship of lean accounting barriers must be studied to understand the effect of such barriers. The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze lean accounting implementation barriers. The analysis is going to determine how individual barriers interact to each other. The conclusions of this analysis are necessary for more effective implementation of lean accounting and moreover efficient lean management. The methodology consists of two stages. First it conducted literature review in order to identify barriers to implementing lean accounting in manufacturing companies. Then, analyzed connections between barriers using the DEMATEL method. The DEMATEL lean accounting barrier evaluation method helps companies better understand the barriers and their levels of importance in lean accounting implementation. Based on obtained results, it occurred that manufacturing companies should primarily address the issue of aversion to change to successfully implement lean accounting. This research supports managers in effectively implementing lean accounting in manufacturing companies by identifying implementation barriers and their interconnectedness. This exploratory study initiates a discussion on the barriers to implementing lean accounting in Polish enterprises and their mutual relations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Supply Chain and Lean Manufacturing)
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28 pages, 2114 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Performance Assessment towards Sustainable Consumption and Production: Evidence from the Indian Dairy Industry
by Mukesh Kumar and Vikas Kumar Choubey
Sustainability 2023, 15(15), 11555; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151511555 - 26 Jul 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1980
Abstract
The current global economic status quo is widely seen as unsustainable in the food sector. The field of sustainability science is still rather fragmented, covering a wide range of techniques and issues, despite the large number of publications in this area. Due to [...] Read more.
The current global economic status quo is widely seen as unsustainable in the food sector. The field of sustainability science is still rather fragmented, covering a wide range of techniques and issues, despite the large number of publications in this area. Due to population growth, the food supply chain (FSC) and farmers have to produce more food. The UN estimates that one-third of edible food is wasted, producing greenhouse gases. A balance must be struck between company operations and social, environmental, and economic activities for sustainable development of the FSC. To assist FSC organizations in managing sustainable advancement, this study created a methodology for the assessment of sustainable performance. We provide a sustainable assessment system using a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, fuzzy VIKOR, and fuzzy TOPSIS. Our research framework evaluated the sustainability of three cooperative-society-run Indian dairy firms. Our study gives environmental criteria the highest weight (0.33) and social criteria the lowest (0.16), with economic reasons (0.306) and business operations (0.204) falling in the middle. Supply chain costs, on average, are given the highest weight, and capacity utilization, the lowest weight. Three dairy industries are ranked (DPI3, DPI1, and DPI2) based on sustainable performance. By modifying the maximum set utility value and validating VIKOR results with TOPSIS, we have checked the robustness of this performance assessment tool. This research aids dairy businesses in achieving several Sustainable Development Goals, including sustainable production and consumption, through the regular assessment of their sustainable performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Supply Chain and Lean Manufacturing)
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20 pages, 1216 KiB  
Article
Selection of Technology Acceptance Model for Adoption of Industry 4.0 Technologies in Agri-Fresh Supply Chain
by Mohit Jain, Gunjan Soni, Deepak Verma, Rajendra Baraiya and Bharti Ramtiyal
Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 4821; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15064821 - 8 Mar 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3590
Abstract
Technology is advancing at a very rapid pace, and it helps the user in predicting things, taking the right decisions, making life less difficult and eventually increasing the profitability of their business. Due to the increasing global population, changing climatic conditions, and other [...] Read more.
Technology is advancing at a very rapid pace, and it helps the user in predicting things, taking the right decisions, making life less difficult and eventually increasing the profitability of their business. Due to the increasing global population, changing climatic conditions, and other natural factors predominating in nature, agriculture practice is becoming less predictable and as a result, farmers’ confidence is being lost, poverty and food insecurity are rising, and other issues are becoming more prevalent. In addition, it affects the sustainability of the food supply chain. So, there is a critical need for agriculture to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies. Here, we want to select a suitable technology acceptance model which comprehensively and robustly defines all the aspects of technology adoption factors in agriculture. From the different adoption theories, we choose one theory that fits our criteria very accurately; for this, we use a hybrid MCDM approach. We utilised fuzzy AHP and fuzzy VIKOR to make the selection logically and systematically correct. Three experts are employed in the study. Fuzzy AHP helps to find the weightage of criteria used by the fuzzy VIKOR technique in ranking the theories. The results showed that the UTAUT ranking comes number one after applying all the suitable criteria and alternatives, and it is the most accurate theory for analysing the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in agriculture. This article offers readers a methodical approach for choosing a technology adoption paradigm. The hypothesis that best fits a person’s criteria can be determined by comparing them to potential alternatives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Supply Chain and Lean Manufacturing)
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Review

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21 pages, 1433 KiB  
Review
Modernizing Medical Waste Management: Unleashing the Power of the Internet of Things (IoT)
by Nurul Hamizah Mohamed, Samir Khan and Sandeep Jagtap
Sustainability 2023, 15(13), 9909; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15139909 - 21 Jun 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5383
Abstract
The rapid technological advancements of modern times have brought about the need for an innovative and contemporary approach to medical waste management procedures. This arises from the inadequacy of conventional manual techniques in ensuring the safety of employees and the environment from infections. [...] Read more.
The rapid technological advancements of modern times have brought about the need for an innovative and contemporary approach to medical waste management procedures. This arises from the inadequacy of conventional manual techniques in ensuring the safety of employees and the environment from infections. The increasing amount of waste produced each day can exacerbate the situation if no action is taken to address the current issue. This article presents a systematic review of the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) in medical waste management, utilizing the PRISMA approach. The adoption of the IoT in waste and medical waste monitoring is analyzed for its potential to enhance the overall waste monitoring procedure and contribute to achieving net-zero goals. Empirical evidence from studies conducted in the last five years has revealed the benefits of employing waste bin sensors as a digital surveillance tool for real-time waste status monitoring. While a few researchers have proposed the use of the IoT in medical waste monitoring, the application is currently limited to either monitoring storage facilities, waste transportation, or disposal processes, specifically. These limitations are discussed to understand the barriers that hinder further development. Among the selected analyzed studies are published articles and conference papers that offer solutions for addressing waste management issues and facilitating further development. This paper also aims to identify IoT technologies for monitoring waste and medical waste management. The digitalization of medical waste can ensure that the entire monitoring procedure is conducted directly and in real time. The collected data can be easily shared, and the condition of the waste can be updated periodically. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Supply Chain and Lean Manufacturing)
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21 pages, 2007 KiB  
Review
Blockchain Changing the Outlook of the Sustainable Food Supply Chain to Achieve Net Zero?
by Aditi S. Saha, Rakesh D. Raut, Vinay Surendra Yadav and Abhijit Majumdar
Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 16916; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416916 - 16 Dec 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4324
Abstract
The food supply chain (FSC), being a complex network, faces major issues such as traceability, food security, safety and sustainability. Blockchain technology (BLCT) is regarded as an innovative technology that can transform FSC by means of its traceable, irrevocable, tamperproof network. BLCT being [...] Read more.
The food supply chain (FSC), being a complex network, faces major issues such as traceability, food security, safety and sustainability. Blockchain technology (BLCT) is regarded as an innovative technology that can transform FSC by means of its traceable, irrevocable, tamperproof network. BLCT being a new technology, little work has been carried out on the FSC domain. The purpose of the study is to examine the most recent trends, benefits, challenges, and application of BLCT in the FSC and explore the comprehensive adoption and application of BLCT, stating how it helps to achieve a triple bottom line (TBL) and net zero in the supply chain. The methodology used in this article is a systematic literature review (SLR) comprising 55 papers spanning the years 2018 to 2022. The findings of the study state that BLCT helps to achieve food safety, security, and traceability and increases the performance of the FSC. It also contributes to achieving the TBL of sustainability which can further help to achieve net zero. Based on this work’s insight and observations, practitioners and academics can better understand how companies can implement BLCT and achieve TBL benefits in the FSC, which could eventually provide a path to achieving net zero. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Supply Chain and Lean Manufacturing)
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19 pages, 911 KiB  
Review
Consumer Acceptance of Alternative Proteins: A Systematic Review of Current Alternative Protein Sources and Interventions Adapted to Increase Their Acceptability
by Shahida Anusha Siddiqui, Tayyaba Alvi, Aysha Sameen, Sipper Khan, Andrey Vladimirovich Blinov, Andrey Ashotovich Nagdalian, Mohammad Mehdizadeh, Danung Nur Adli and Marleen Onwezen
Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 15370; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142215370 - 18 Nov 2022
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 9315
Abstract
Conventional meat consumption has triggered an environmental burden along with effects on different disease spectrums according to existing research. The dietary patterns adopted by consumers significantly impact both planetary and individual health. Interventions are needed to support the protein transition. However, there is [...] Read more.
Conventional meat consumption has triggered an environmental burden along with effects on different disease spectrums according to existing research. The dietary patterns adopted by consumers significantly impact both planetary and individual health. Interventions are needed to support the protein transition. However, there is not yet an overview of interventions towards acceptance of novel proteins available. This systemic review highlights different varieties of alternative proteins and interventions adopted to increase the acceptance of alternative protein sources. Educational intervention, persuasion, training, and modeling approaches are summarized in this review. Furthermore, behavioral models triggering the consumer’s response towards different alternative proteins are also discussed. The systemic review highlights that consumer acceptance varies among different alternative proteins. Food choice motives, familiarity, food neophobia, disgust, and cultural norms are among the various drivers of consumer acceptance. A comparison of these drivers indicates inconsistencies, presenting the need for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Supply Chain and Lean Manufacturing)
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