PurposeThis research aims to analyze the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) by Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector to enhance sustainability over the past decade, providing guidance for practitioners and policymakers on developing AI-integrated sustainability strategies and directing future research.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed systematic literature review procedures, along with inclusion and exclusion criteria, to identify relevant Web of Science articles and develop a theoretical framework based on previous research.FindingsA review of 48 peer-reviewed studies identified 71 determinants of AI adoption across technological, organizational and environmental contexts, with eight propositions related to perceived benefits, costs, technology readiness, supply chain integration and competitive pressure. The findings show that both internal and external benefits influence the adoption of AI for sustainability. Data security, infrastructure, human resources and institutional support are key environmental and institutional factors that make AI adoption strategic rather than merely trendy.Research limitations/implicationsThe suggested model is merely theoretical and hence necessitates empirical validation.Practical implicationsIt offers concrete solutions for industry executives, governments and development agencies to enhance AI-driven sustainability and competitiveness in emerging countries. Transdisciplinary policies ensure sustainable RMG development with AI technology, skilled labor and infrastructure. In many cases, conceptual models need empirical validation through further study.Social implicationsIt promotes AI- and sustainability-based human resource developmentOriginality/valueThis study addresses a knowledge gap by combining sustainability and AI to improve sustainability in the RMG sector. It applies adoption theories to evaluate the internal and external benefits of AI adoption in sustainable RMG practices. Furthermore, this study incorporates human, technical and competitive pressure to explore AI-driven sustainability in the RMG sectors, thereby expanding academic discourse and supporting practical implementation.
PurposeWastes from plants and animals have a lot of potential and usefulness in technological development and most researchers have documented their findings on plant-based materials while animal-based materials have received less attention. Hence, this study aims to provide adequate information on existing animal-based bio-reinforcement classifications, their manufacturing and characterization processes, as well and their composites. This becomes necessary since a good understanding of these itemized areas of animal-based bio-reinforcements will advance the production and availability of animal waste materials thereby boosting the innovative creation of green materials from such wastes.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a qualitative and quantitative methodical approach to find and analyze pertinent publications from databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria of the study were specifically designed to consider studies that investigate the use of animal-based materials in the creation of environmentally friendly composites. The time frame for the articles included in the study ranged from 1990 to 2023. After a thorough evaluation of titles, abstracts and full-text papers, the authors collected relevant information on various types of animal-based bio-reinforcements, processes used for composite production, mechanical properties, environmental impact assessments and applications.FindingsThis review revealed the verse potentials and areas of applications for animal-based bio-reinforcement materials that are yet to be properly harnessed and the need for researchers to focus more on animal wastes. Animal wastes have been discovered to be a source of sustainable materials due to the increasing demand and production of animals for human consumption. Animal wastes are resources that cannot go into extinction due to the ease of animal production. Hence, these readily available and cheap resources are to be used to meet the growing human demands and as well as mitigate environmental problems associated with established synthetic materials. Another benefit of animal-based bio-reinforcement materials, as revealed in this review, is that they are biodegradable materials that will not pose any danger to the environment during and after use, which makes them the best materials for biomedical applications. Therefore, animal-based reinforcements can be recommended as the most suitable source of materials for human consumption due to their high similarity with human body constituents.Research limitations/implicationsThe major limitation of this research was due to inadequate literature on its applications; hence, this review seeks to advance the potential and open a new vista for this application.Originality/valueThis manuscript, titled “Animal Based Bio-reinforcements for Sustainable Green Composites Advancement,” provides a unique synthesis and analysis of current research, investigating the use of animal-based bio-reinforcements in the creation of environmentally friendly composites. Through the critical analysis of existing data, and also provides a thorough and inclusive summary that emphasizes emerging patterns, identifies areas where information is lacking, and suggests prospective directions for further investigation and advancement in this rapidly developing area of study. This work not only gathers dispersed information but also provides new perspectives, therefore promoting comprehension and encouraging discussion in the field of sustainable materials science and engineering.
PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine how natural resource accounting (NRA) can operationalize circular economy (CE) principles to support responsible production, consumption and net-zero sustainability governance. This study explores how integrating physical and monetary resource information enhances measurement, accountability and decision-making at firm and national levels.Design/methodology/approachUsing an integrative literature review, this study synthesizes research from accounting, environmental economics and sustainability science. A multi-level analytical lens links firm-level tools (MFCA and LCA) with economy-wide frameworks (MFA and SEEA). A conceptual framework is developed to explain how accounting structures, institutional forces and decision-making processes interact to enable circular and net-zero transitions.FindingsThe review finds that NRA provides the measurement infrastructure necessary to translate CE strategies into measurable and governable outcomes, including material efficiency, waste reduction and emissions mitigation. However, adoption remains uneven because of fragmented indicators, weak institutional capacity and limited integration between physical and monetary accounting systems. The findings of this study indicate that harmonized accounting standards and stronger institutional coordination are essential for linking micro-level circular practices with macro-level sustainability and net-zero objectives.Practical implicationsThis study guides policymakers and organizations on aligning national accounting systems (SEEA-based MFA) with firm-level tools (MFCA and LCA) to advance circular business models, responsible production and evidence-based sustainability governance.Originality/valueThis paper positions NRA as a governance-enabling infrastructure rather than a complementary reporting tool. By integrating ecological modernization, institutional theory and stakeholder perspectives, the framework clarifies how accounting can support circularity and net-zero transitions across developed and developing economies.
PurposeSmart factory (SF) adoption has become a critical strategy for achieving energy efficiency and sustainable operations. While prior studies emphasize technological drivers, non-technological perspectives remain underexplored, particularly regarding adoption timing and barriers. This study aims to examine the self-efficacy value adoption model (SVAM) by incorporating digital trust (DT) as a determinant of intention to adopt a SF.Design/methodology/approachThis explanatory research applies technology adoption and self-efficacy (SE) theories, using a quantitative approach. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed via Google Forms to managers and employees in technology provider companies actively engaged in SF adoption. A total of 189 valid responses were analyzed with structural equation modeling using SmartPLS 3.2.4.FindingsResults indicate that SE does not directly affect adoption intention but becomes significant when mediated by perceived value (PV). The role of Internet of Things (IoT) in influencing PV is limited, as respondents who are already technologically adept consider IoT a basic necessity rather than a differentiating factor. Moreover, gender does not moderate the relationship between DT and SE.Originality/valueThis study contributes by positioning DT as a critical determinant within the SVAM, highlighting its role in shaping adoption decisions. The findings emphasize the importance of aligning managerial support and frontline employee engagement in realizing SF integration, offering both theoretical enrichment and practical guidance for industry stakeholders.
PurposeThis study aims to investigate the meanings attached to local product consumption through the concept of the socially responsible customer journey. While multiple studies have explored the consumer journey, there is a lack of evidence on sustainable consumption, which in this study is represented through socially responsible behaviors.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative study was conducted through 21 interviews with consumers of local products in Brazil, identified using a snowball sampling technique. Data were analyzed through content analysis.FindingsSix meanings were mapped along the customer journey: importance and appreciation of local products, satisfaction in contributing to local production, socio-environmental concerns, personal value, female solidarity and doing good (for oneself and/or others). The analysis revealed that the purchase phase was the most critical in ensuring socially responsible behavior, guided by customers’ experiences of sustainability.Originality/valueUnlike previous research, this study offers a discussion of the customer journey and its role in local development. The authors propose the concept of the socially responsible customer journey.
PurposeThis study aims to examine the role of reverse supply networks (RSN) and innovative technologies in enhancing reverse logistics (RL) implementation, underpinned by the Complex Adaptive Systems theoretical lens.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional quantitative research design was adopted, using data from 65 plastics recycling focal firms, representing 264 responses from RL practitioners. Data analysis used Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling through SmartPLS to test established hypotheses.FindingsThe results reveal the multidimensional nature of the RSN and its significant role in RL implementation in plastics recycling industries. Specifically, supply base and formalization significantly influence RL implementation, while relations did not prove to be a significant predictor. In addition, innovative technologies mediate the relationship between the RSN and RL implementation.Research limitations/implicationsThis study, focused on Uganda’s plastics recycling industry, may limit generalizability to other sectors or regions. Future research should explore paper, electronics or textile recycling to assess RSNs across industries and developing countries. The cross-sectional design restricts observing long-term dynamics, limiting insights into changes over time.Originality/valueThis study advances the application of complex adaptive systems theory in RL operations, offering a novel perspective on the structural dynamics of RSNs. By empirically examining their influence on RL implementation, this study contributes to global discourse by enriching theoretical understanding and offering practical implications for enhancing RL efficiency.
PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of green promotion on consumer awareness among university students in Nigeria. The paper illuminates the effect of eco-friendly marketing behaviour in shaping students’ knowledge and attitude to sustainable products and behaviour from an extended interdisciplinary and critical learning perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts a quantitative research design and uses a survey approach to obtain the data from university students. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The hypothesis was evaluated by applying linear regression analysis.FindingsThe results show that there is a strong effect of green promotion on university students’ awareness.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings emphasize the importance of businesses to invest in green promotion initiatives that enhance consumer awareness and promote sustainable consumption, especially among Gen Z. Organising eco-labelling and pro-environmental call-to-actions into the marketing strategies of businesses can foster brand loyalty for responsible, sustainable options.Originality/valueBy addressing the limitations of other studies this paper contributes to the literature on green marketing by focusing on the effect of green publicity on consumer awareness among university students. It offers empirical support for the proposition that it is possible to use effective green promotional messages not only to increase awareness of environmentally benign products, but to increase awareness of these products among a young audience.
PurposeFood loss and waste are a critical global concern, with approximately one-third of global food production lost annually, creating severe environmental and resource challenges. To effectively drive sustainable consumption and minimize waste, collaboration among different stakeholders is essential. This conceptual study explores how food waste reduction strategies can be framed and understood through the lens of value co-creation conceptualized through the service-dominant logic (SD-L) framework, emphasizing the role of digital communication and stakeholder’s collaborations and food waste communications strategies across multiple levels.Design/methodology/approachThis study develops a conceptual framework using qualitative methods. It examines 1,560 social media posts from 20 European food brands, applying a hybrid approach that combines manual coding and artificial intelligence-supported content analysis. This analysis investigates value co-creation processes within the SD-L framework across different stakeholder interactions.FindingsThis study identifies four dimensions of value co-creation: information and regulation, participation and involvement, motivation and persuasion and innovation for sustainability. Digital tools, such as food-sharing apps, emerged as key instruments for engaging consumers and enabling collaboration among stakeholders.Originality/valueBy integrating SD-L into a multilevel context, this research contributes to theoretical insights on value co-creation and trans-contextual value exchange within the food waste ecosystem. It also provides actionable guidance on leveraging digital platforms and collaborative approaches to support sustainable behavior and reduce food waste effectively.
PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the institutionalization of reverse logistics (RL) in the Indian garment retail sector for post-consumer waste, identifying and classifying significant barriers within the framework of sustainable supply chain management and the circular economy.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a Delphi technique with 19 industry experts to carefully identify and assess obstacles to RL adoption. This research combines institutional theory and stakeholder theory to create a thorough comprehension of the barriers.FindingsThis research indicates that organizational resistance, budgetary limitations and inadequate regulatory frameworks are the primary obstacles to the institutionalization of RL in India’s garment retail industry. This study presents an innovative seven-dimensional framework emphasizing the interrelation of managerial, financial and regulatory challenges.Research limitations/implicationsThis study’s results are specific to India’s apparel retail sector, perhaps restricting their generalizability. Future study may investigate parallels across industries or countries. This research offers practical recommendations for policymakers and supply chain managers to improve the adoption of RL in emerging markets.Originality/valueThis research enhances the literature on RL by examining the overlooked apparel retail sector in emerging economies, presenting a novel multi-dimensional framework and incorporating institutional and stakeholder theories to elucidate the constraints of RL adoption.
PurposeThis study aims to explore the impact of various factors on consumer responses to apparel resale programs in the USA, using the stimulus-organism-response model. It investigates how product quality (PQ), information quality (IQ), brand image (BI) and promotional efforts (PE) influence consumer behavior, and examines the moderating role of consumer environmental knowledge (CEK).Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted among US consumers familiar with apparel resale programs. The research model integrated constructs like product satisfaction (PS), brand trust (BT), perceived utilitarian and hedonic values as responses to external stimuli and purchase intention, brand loyalty (BL) and word-of-mouth (WOM) as subsequent behaviors. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypothesized relationships.FindingsThe study reveals that PQ significantly influences consumer satisfaction and utilitarian value, but not BT or hedonic value, while IQ enhances consumer satisfaction, trust and perceived values. BI and PE improve all consumer responses, with CEK moderating these effects. Notably, consumer PS strongly drives purchase intentions but not BL; BT enhances loyalty and WOM without directly affecting purchase intentions. Both perceived utilitarian and hedonic values positively impact purchase intentions and BL, highlighting their importance in motivating consumer behaviors within apparel resale programs.Practical implicationsThe findings can assist retailers and marketers in effectively designing and promoting apparel resale programs. Emphasizing high-quality products and trustworthy information can significantly enhance consumer trust and satisfaction. Moreover, understanding the role of environmental knowledge can help tailor marketing strategies to better meet consumer expectations and enhance engagement.Originality/valueThis study advances the literature on sustainable consumer behavior and circular fashion by identifying how distinct marketing stimuli – PQ, IQ, BI and PE shape consumer cognition, emotions and behavioral responses in apparel resale contexts, and by revealing the moderating role of environmental knowledge in these relationships.
PurposeDespite increasing environmental awareness and a preference for eco-friendly products, adoption of renewable energy technologies remains low. The purpose of this study is to advance the behavioural reasoning theory (BRT) by examining how personal values and context-specific “reasons for” and “reasons against” influence solar panel purchase intentions in Ghana. It tests the mediating roles of all three global motives: attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from 425 homeowners in Ghana through an online survey using purposive sampling. Data was analysed using a two-stage structural equation modelling approach.FindingsThe results suggested that openness to change positively influenced purchase intention (β = 0.08, p = 0.04), supporting H1a. Reasons for purchase influenced purchase intention (β = 0.47, p < 0.001), supporting H2a. However, reasons against purchase did not directly affect purchase intention (β = 0.02, p = 0.87), rejecting H3a. Mediation analysis revealed that attitude partially mediated the relationship between openness to change and purchase intention, with a significant indirect effect (β = 0.21, p < 0.01). Subjective norms and perceived behavioural control also acted as partial mediators, yielding significant indirect effects of β = 0.05 (p < 0.05) and β = 0.06 (p < 0.05), respectively.Originality/valueThis study is among a few to explore the distinct effects of global motive dimensions in the BRT framework, including attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. It offers a fresh perspective on the factors influencing solar panel adoption.
PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impact of green supply chain management practices on firm performance and the intervening roles of green technological innovation and institutional pressures in this relationship.Design/methodology/approachThis study relied on a Resource-Based View and Institutional Theory with explanatory research design to test the hypothesised relationships using original data from 303 companies in a sub-Saharan African market. Structured questionnaires were administered online, and the obtained data were analysed quantitatively using descriptive and Structural Equation Modelling techniques.FindingsThe results suggest that green technological innovation plays a significant intermediary role in translating green supply chain management practices into enhancing firm performance. Furthermore, institutional pressure positively moderates the indirect relationship between green supply chain management practices and firm performance through green technological innovation. This study recommends adopting green supply chain management practices and promoting green technological innovation by firms to enhance performance while reducing adverse environmental effects.Originality/valueThis study is novel in the supply chain management field as it critically examines the intervening role of green technological innovation and institutional pressure in the green supply chain management practices – firm performance link using the Resource-Based View and Institutional Theory in the African context.
PurposeThis study aims to examine the growing emphasis on sustainable business practices in Bangladesh, focusing on bridging the gap between corporate strategies and consumer expectations. It explores the alignment between businesses’ Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives and consumer preferences for sustainability-driven products and services.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-method approach is employed, utilizing structured questionnaires to gather insights from both businesses and consumers. The study assesses corporate ESG performance measurement, improvement strategies and the influence of sustainability on consumer behavior and brand perception. Statistical analyses, including regression and factor analysis, are conducted to establish key relationships.FindingsThe results indicate that Bangladeshi businesses increasingly prioritize social responsibility and environmental sustainability, with governance mechanisms evolving to support ESG integration. A significant proportion of consumers demonstrate a willingness to pay a premium for sustainable products, highlighting an emerging market demand for ethical business practices.Research limitations/implicationsThis study offers a foundation on ESG adoption in Bangladesh, but further research is needed on industry differences, financial impacts and regulations.Practical implicationsBusinesses should integrate ESG principles to boost brand reputation and customer loyalty. Consumer awareness and transparency drive corporate sustainability.Social implicationsSustainable business practices in Bangladesh promote economic growth while reducing environmental and social risks. Responsible corporate behavior supports national development and global sustainability.Originality/valueThis study examines how Bangladeshi businesses adapt global ESG frameworks and explores consumer responses to sustainability in an emerging market.
PurposeThis study aims to investigate the environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting practices of the banks listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE).Design/methodology/approachA quantitative content analysis was conducted using three years of annual reports from all 12 banks listed on the CSE to measure and examine ESG reporting practices.FindingsThe study found that social disclosures by banks are lower compared to governance and environmental disclosures. Significant variations in ESG reporting practices among banks were observed, with firm size and leverage significantly impacting these practices.Practical implicationsThe variations in ESG reporting among banks underscore the need for a standardized reporting approach to ensure credibility and transparency within the sector. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the significance of organizational capacity and resources in driving the sustainability initiatives of banks listed on the CSE. Moreover, the study recommends that all CSE-listed banks seek external assurance for their reported ESG information to enhance both the credibility and impact of their disclosures.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the sparse literature on ESG reporting in the banking sector within developing countries.
PurposeThis study aims to identify and analyze the key factors that influence German consumers’ intention to purchase sustainable fashion, with particular attention to the well-documented attitude–behavior gap. The research focuses on the core constructs of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) – attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control – along with individual factors like knowledge and perceived consumer effectiveness, and situational factors such as price and availability.Design/methodology/approachThe research is grounded in the TPB, using a quantitative survey conducted with 216 German consumers. Multiple regression analysis was used to uncover the primary drivers and barriers influencing the intention to purchase sustainable fashion.FindingsThe results show that perceived consumer effectiveness (β = 0.29, p 0.05).Originality/valueThis study advances TPB-based research by empirically integrating four context-specific variables – knowledge, perceived consumer effectiveness, price and availability – into a single model. This rare combination offers novel insights into the attitude–behavior gap in sustainable fashion and highlights perceived consumer effectiveness as a key leverage point. It provides actionable guidance for businesses and policymakers to encourage more sustainable consumer behavior in the fashion industry.
Purpose Despite the discussion among scholars on green entrepreneurship and sustainable development, little is known regarding the role of responsible consumption and production implementation, which is the 12th goal among the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. Similarly, little is known about the role of country support for entrepreneurship between green entrepreneurship and sustainable development. The current study determined the role of green consumption commitment, green design, the green supply chain and green production in green entrepreneurship. This study aims to provide empirical findings for improving the implementation of responsible consumption and production to achieve its targets. Design/methodology/approach A sample of 311 students registered in business incubators was collected from 12 public sector Pakistani universities. Partial least squares–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied via Smart PLS-4 to measure the relationships among the research variables. Findings Green consumption commitment, green design, the green supply chain and green production were found to significantly influence green entrepreneurship. Green entrepreneurship emerged as a significant predictor of sustainable development. Furthermore, country support for entrepreneurship has emerged as a significant moderator in the relationship between green entrepreneurship and sustainable development. Originality/value The contributions of the current research are novel in literature, as the 12th SDG was addressed.
Purpose The green consumption research field has grown significantly, yet its overall landscape remains in the shadows. To explain further, the understanding is limited regarding existing discoveries in this field, key supporting and opposing views surrounding them, methods used to derive these findings, theoretical frameworks they are based on and factors that remain underdeveloped, overemphasised or absent in current green consumption literature. This study aims to lay bare this landscape through a panoramic review that consolidates key insights of the green consumption research trajectory into a comprehensive overview, identifying prevailing trends in theoretical foundations and methodological approaches and highlighting areas that require further development. Design/methodology/approach To conduct a panoramic review, a sample of 242 studies of green consumption was extracted following the systematic review steps outlined by Tranfield et al. (2003). For analysis and finding generation, two robust synthesis approaches were used: the theory-context-characteristics-methods (TCCM) framework to generate panoramic themes and qualitative synthesis to extract bibliometric insights. The TCCM synthesis generated six key themes: theory, method, focus, demographic variables, internal variables and external variables, and the qualitative synthesis gave insight into bibliometric information such as temporal distribution, journal landscape, demographic and socio-economic categories, country concentration and methodological approaches. Findings Results revealed that the landscape of green consumption research is substantially polarised, stifling theoretical and empirical innovation. It was also found that the over-reliance on quantitative methods, the use of traditional qualitative approaches in the already limited qualitative studies and the narrow focus on established product categories have constrained both the breadth and depth of insights in green consumption research. Additionally, the review identified a significant gap in the use of demographic insights, characterised by an overreliance on common variables, under-utilisation of context-specific ones and a failure to connect demographic information to the main study relationships. Research limitations/implications The prevailing trends, practices and critical gaps identified in this panoramic landscape review call for a fundamental shift in how explorations in the green consumption research trajectory are conducted. Future studies aiming to advance the field, rather than merely contributing incremental insights, should reintroduce overlooked theories to address underexplored aspects of green consumption, reemphasise qualitative approaches to capture nuanced participant perspectives, revalue participant information to enhance data efficiency, adopt interdisciplinary and emerging perspectives to bring novelty and move beyond single-category frameworks and research designs to provide a more comprehensive insight into the intricacies of green consumption. Originality/value With these landscape insights, key findings, critical gaps and future directions, the study not only makes a valuable contribution to sustainable development goal 12 (responsible consumption and production) but also stands as one of the first attempts to panoramically encapsulate, synthesise and advance the green consumption literature, making a novel contribution. The review also offers practitioners and policymakers a thorough resource, presenting insights on using established factors, exploring creative methods and addressing the varied drivers of green consumer behaviour to craft more effective and sustainable strategies.
Purpose This study investigates the effect of waste management practices and institutional pressures on environmental sustainability performance at the household level in Ghana, specifically within the Cape Coast metropolis. Design/methodology/approach The study employed an explanatory and quantitative research design to analyze data collected from 339 sampled households, of which 242 responses were deemed valid for analysis. Data were processed using SPSS for descriptive statistical analysis and Smart-PLS 4 for structural equation modeling to examine relationships among the study variables. Findings Results demonstrate that waste management practices significantly enhance environmental sustainability performance. Institutional pressures positively influence waste management practices and environmental sustainability performance. Interestingly, institutional pressure negatively moderates the relationship between waste management practices and environmental sustainability performance. Practical implications Enhanced understanding of these dynamics can aid policymakers and waste management institutions in crafting targeted interventions that foster more effective waste management practices at the household level. Social implications By improving waste management practices and responding effectively to institutional pressures, households can significantly contribute to broader environmental sustainability goals, thus supporting sustainable urban development and responsible consumption patterns as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Originality/value This research contributes uniquely by articulating the moderating role of institutional pressures in the context of household waste management, a relatively underexplored area within environmental management research.
Purpose – This paper aims to investigate current trends in sustainability and resilience in supply chains post the COVID-19 pandemic. With an increase in the number of pandemic-led supply chain disruptions in the past years, supply chain resilience has become a necessity in almost all global supply chains. At the same time, supply chains are being mandated to meet the sustainable development goals by considering all three pillars of sustainability, that is, people, planet and profits. The challenge faced by most supply chains is to incorporate both sustainability and resilience in their supply chains since the two have some conflicting objectives. The review investigated research on the integration of sustainability and resilience in closed-loop supply chains (CLSCs). CLSCs have become an important circular business model that contributes greatly to environmental sustainability. The disruption of CLSCs affects not only business as usual (forward chain) but also environmental and net zero initiatives. For this reason, it is necessary to study their resilience. Design/methodology/approach – When conducting the review, the systematic method was used. In the systematic method, a research question was defined and studies on the topic were located and screened based on their contents. At the end of the screening, 56 publications were found to be relevant to the topic at hand. A content analysis was carried on the selected publications to come up with research gaps, recommendations and managerial implications for the integration of sustainability and resilience in CLSCs. The review investigated the levels of decision-making where resilience and sustainability can be integrated in CLSCs, the interrelationships between sustainability and resilience from the perspective of CLSCs and other supply chain issues that can be integrated with resilience and sustainability in CLSCs. Findings – For CLSCs, the integration of sustainability and resilience was carried out mostly in the strategic level (mostly network design focusing on facility location and allocation). Most studies investigated the two principles separately, although there is a growing increase in literature investigating both principles simultaneously. In CLSCs, resilience has been investigated as a tool for achieving sustainability, as most research focused on the impact of resilience on sustainability dimensions. In addition, sustainability and resilience cannot co-exist without some trade-offs. It was also discovered that sustainability and resilience can be combined with other principles such as robustness, responsiveness, efficiency and reliability among other principles to improve supply chain networks. Originality/value – The paper focused on simultaneous consideration of resilience and sustainability in CLSCs specifically. It also explored other supply chain issues associated with sustainability and resilience in CLSCs. The aim of the paper was to reveal interrelationships between resilience and sustainability in closed-loop supply chains. It has not been clear as to the relationship between resilience and sustainability from a CLSC perspective.
Purpose – The transition from a linear to a circular economy has created unintended employment opportunities for marginalised communities in various developing countries. Informal waste picking, a prevalent occupation among recent migrants and individuals with limited education, highlights the complexities of informal employment. The phenomenon underscores the challenges faced by socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals in securing formal employment. Such individuals are confronted with a multiplicity of challenges that are delved into in the current study. Therefore, this study aims to examine the challenges faced by informal waste material pickers beyond what is already documented in the extant literature. Design/methodology/approach – The study used a sample of 42 (42) informal waste material pickers. The participants were drawn from several dumpsites in the city of Harare. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on the respondents within their workplace. The data was analysed thematically. Findings – The results revealed that informal waste material pickers are faced with ritualistic sexual abuses, scary encounters, territorial fights and are subjected to being sanctuaries for criminals. Research limitations/implications – The study highlights the challenges faced by informal waste pickers that need to be addressed by policymakers to bring sanity to the recycling efforts and municipal waste management systems. The study recommends that the public policymakers should look after the welfare of the informal waste material pickers, considering that they have a crucial role in sustaining the circular economy. Originality/value – The study reveals the horrors faced by informal waste material pickers as the key contributors to the circular economy through providing secondary material for recycling.
