Rossana Caputo, Bernard Mallia, Keerthi Kumar Masanasetty, Prasad M
Agricultural digitisation is increasingly driven by regulatory compliance, sustainability mandates, and the need for trusted multi-stakeholder collaboration. However, agricultural equipment traceability remains largely manual or dependent on energy-intensive Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructures that are ill-suited for rural environments. This paper presents AgriLink, a privacy-preserving and energy-efficient Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) framework for agricultural equipment and workforce traceability, developed under the TrustChain OC5 initiative. AgriLink introduces an event-driven architecture based on passive Near Field Communication (NFC), selective blockchain anchoring, zero-trust security, and privacy-by-design principles. By functioning primarily on episodic, event-driven, non-continuous data flows, the framework enables verifiable digital twins of physical agricultural assets without continuous telemetry or battery-powered sensors. This study details the system architecture, threat modelling, privacy mechanisms, and a comparative evaluation against traditional IoT tracking systems. Experimental validations indicate up to a 94% reduction in energy consumption at the sensing layer compared to an average of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ZigBee, and LoRaWAN architectures, while maintaining robust auditability and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance. The results establish AgriLink as a viable blueprint for sustainable DLT adoption in physical asset-intensive agricultural sectors.
Bharathi Panduri, Lohith Matcha, Sai Darshan Lingamanthula, Vineet Katta
Pharmaceutical providers are now facing problems such as counterfeit drugs, lack of openness, different data systems, and weaker regulation. As a result of these shortcomings, medicinal products may be unsafe for patients and this can damage the public's trust in these products. Traditional centralized structures do not have the necessary traceability, security, and resilience for effective management of supply chains. In the context of Industry 4.0, there is an increasing shift toward digital transformation and decentralized industrial systems to improve transparency and automation. This paper describes PharmaChain, a DApp created using blockchain, which is intended to add transparency and trust to the way drugs are managed in the supply chain. With the help of Ethereum and Solidity-based smart contracts, PharmaChain develops a permanent record of every step in the supply chain, starting with buying raw goods and finishing with delivering them to end-users. The platform uses role-based access control, such as manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and regulatory bodies. With a modern MERN stack, PharmaChain ensures the UI is flexible and works well on any device, and Web3.js and MetaMask handle the connection to blockchain on the frontend. The proposed system aligns with Industry 4.0 principles by enabling secure, automated, and decentralized traceability across the pharmaceutical supply chain. Smart contracts significantly reduce the involvement of intermediaries and manual work in the process.
1. Improving transparency, authenticity, and traceability in the Agricultural Supply Chain with a Blockchain Model (FarmTrace) Farm Trace Blockchain (Farm Trace) has been developed to give farmers and agribusinesses (such as wholesalers and retailers) a better view of their entire supply chain from when the product is harvested to when it is sold to a customer, assuring the integrity of the data entered into the blockchain and providing a means for trust between all stakeholders involved (Blade; 2022). This application allows stakeholders (including consumers) easy access to the traceability history of their products stored on the blockchain permanently, thus allowing all parties involved to verify their product’s history and status via the Web3 access created within the FarmTrace application. It is important to note that Farm Trace has two entries into the same user interface (i.e., farmer entry and retailer entry) and both are designed to allow for better management of the supply chain by providing the ability to track producers, distributors, retailers, and customers in real-time.
The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a cross-sectoral framework for sharing data across value chains to promote circular economy practices such as repair, reuse, and recycling. A key challenge is ensuring trust and integrity in DPP data, which is often fragmented among multiple stakeholders. Distributed ledger technologies (DLTs) ofer a promising solution by enhancing data integrity, transparency, and reliability. However, a comprehensive understanding of how DLTs can support DPPs remains underexplored. This paper reviews academic and industrial initiatives using DLTs to build trustworthy DPP infrastructures. It identifies three core benefits of DLTs for DPPs: (1) tamper-proof data integrity for traceability, (2) peer-to-peer private data sharing without central authority, and (3) decentralized DPP lifecycle management, from creation to deactivation. Based on these findings, the paper proposes design guidelines to inform the development of DLT-based DPP systems that can support long-term trust and collaboration in circular economy ecosystems.
The proliferation of counterfeit products in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, electronics, and luxury goods, poses a significant threat to consumer safety, brand reputation, and economic integrity. Traditional verification methods often fail due to centralized control and limited traceability. This research proposes a block chain-based system to identify fake products by leveraging the decentralized, immutable, and transparent nature of block chain technology. The system records product information such as manufacturing details, origin, and ownership history on a distributed ledger, ensuring secure and tamper-proof tracking across the supply chain. Each product is tagged with a unique QR code that links to its block chain record, allowing end-users to verify authenticity through a mobile application. The system incorporates distinct login modules for administrators, sellers, and customers to ensure secure interactions and streamline product management. Simulation results validate the system’s capability to detect counterfeit products with high accuracy and real-time verification speed. The proposed solution provides a scalable and efficient framework for enhancing supply chain integrity and protecting consumers against fake goods
Abstract Counterfeit and stolen goods seriously threaten the reliability of modern supply chains. They affect consumer trust, brand reputation, and economic stability. To tackle this issue, this paper presents a blockchain-based smart supply chain framework. It combines Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) with dual-layer Anti-counterfeiting mechanisms such as RFID tags and holographic labels [2], [6]. Each physical product connects to a unique NFT, creating a secure digital twin on a private blockchain network [3], [8]. This setup ensures traceability, verifies authenticity, and keeps transaction records safe from tampering [1], [5].. The proposed system includes a new Supply Chain Consensus (SCC) algorithm, designed specifically for supply chains. It classifies nodes by trust and stake to allow for efficient and scalable transaction validation. Also, a collateral-based incentive mechanism encourages honest participation among all involved, including manufacturers, transporters, buyers, and arbitrators [7]. Furthermore, a decentralized dispute resolution model features a transparent voting process that ensures fairness and accountability during conflicts [8]. A conceptual framework and simulation-based analysis were carried out to assess the system's performance in terms of transaction efficiency, security, and counterfeit reduction [1], [5]. The findings show that this approach significantly boosts supply chain transparency, lowers verification costs, and improves product authentication compared to traditional centralized systems [4]. This framework provides a scalable and secure solution for the next generation of supply chains, particularly in sectors like pharmaceuticals, luxury goods, and electronics. Keywords: Blockchain, Smart Supply Chain, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), Anti-Counterfeiting, Digital Twin, RFID, Smart Contracts, Supply Chain Security.
In the context of Industry 4.0, industrial firms are encountering new challenges related to data management, flow traceability, security and process transparency. Blockchain, as a distributed ledger technology, offers innovative solutions to meet these challenges. This study proposes a systematic literature review (SLR) on the recent contributions of blockchain in industrial environments. A total of 20 scientific articles, published over the last ten years, were analyzed to better understand how this technology is being integrated into production processes and supply chains. The analysis identified four major areas in which blockchain is being mobilized: traceability of production processes, transparency of supply chains, integration into digital industrial systems, and its role in decision support. The results show that blockchain enables reliable, real-time monitoring of industrial operations, particularly when coupled with technologies such as IoT, smart contracts or event-driven databases. It also promotes better coordination between players, reinforces trust, and facilitates audits in complex or multi-actor environments. However, despite its potential, several limitations remain. Barriers related to scalability, implementation costs, system interoperability and the integration of manual tasks still limit its widespread adoption. Furthermore, in many cases, blockchain is treated as a secondary technology, reducing the depth of analysis available. This review offers a structured vision of the contributions and limitations of blockchain in industry while identifying future research prospects, particularly around hybrid models and concrete implementation cases.
This paper presents a ubiquitous, blockchain-based system designed to improve transparency, traceability and trust in supply chains involving autonomous vehicles (AVs). The framework integrates Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, radio-frequency identification (RFID) and QR identifiers, global positioning system (GPS) tracking, and mobile communications with smart contracts implemented on the Ethereum 2.0 blockchain. The main contributions are as follows: (1) an architecture enabling real-time monitoring and automated verification of logistics transactions; (2) a proof of concept integrating blockchain, the IoT and Android-based OBUs; and (3) a quantitative analysis of gas and smart contract execution costs. Experimental tests show gas consumption ranging from 21,000 to 5,000,000 units and transaction costs ranging from 0.0001 to 0.0033 ETH, confirming the system’s technical feasibility and cost-efficiency. As well as cost and efficiency, the process improved transparency, real-time traceability and decentralized verification, confirming the system’s efficacy for supply chains involving autonomous vehicles.
Aguirre Ortiz, Sofía, Parrado Carreño, Gary Yeffet, Zamora, Jairo
Accelerated global digitalization is threatened by a profound crisis of digital trust, marked by systemic data breaches and eroding confidence in centralized intermediaries. This article investigates Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) as a foundational solution, examining its capacity to replace institutional trust with cryptographic assurance through decentralized verification. Through a rigorous comparative case study methodology analyzing cross-border finance and supply chain traceability, the research assesses how DLT mitigates counterparty risk while generating new forms of economic value. The core analysis focuses on critical implementation tensions between operational scalability requirements and ideological decentralization goals, alongside the challenge of reconciling immutable systems with evolving global regulatory frameworks. Empirical findings confirm DLT's tangible economic value through significant reductions in financial verification costs and settlement timeframes, while simultaneously generating measurable consumer trust premiums in supply chain applications through verifiable provenance. However, evidence reveals a fundamental trade-off: practical enterprise adoption consistently favors high-throughput permissioned ledgers, compromising decentralization ideals for operational scalability and governance control. Significant regulatory friction further necessitates hybrid data architectures, positioning DLT as a crucial assurance layer within broader compliance ecosystems rather than a standalone solution. This underscores the need for future research developing integrated trust frameworks that balance technological potential with implementation pragmatism across diverse sectoral contexts.
Introduction Maintaining traceability within the food supply chain is key to ensuring food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. In recent years, digital technologies—especially blockchain – have been adopted to enhance transparency and trust in ‘farm-to-fork’ traceability systems, reducing fraud risk and enhancing recall management and strengthening consumer trust. However, their adoption differs based on variability in technological readiness, economic viability, and regulatory requirements. Methods This paper provides a scoping review of the application of such digital tools to enhance traceability throughout the European agri-food supply chain. being applied across the European agri-food supply chain to improve traceability. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we searched multiple databases (Web of Science, ProQuest, IEEE Xplore, Alcorze) for relevant literature and included 60 peer-reviewed studies (primarily 2010–2025) that met our criteria (focus on blockchain, IoT, AI, or big data in European food supply chain traceability). Results and Discussion Blockchain emerged as the most frequently studied technology for food traceability —appearing in over 40% of the selected studies —often deployed in combination with IoT sensors, RFID tags, or QR codes to create end-to-end transparency. These digital interventions are reported to strengthen traceability and consumer trust, improve supply chain efficiency, and support sustainability initiatives. However, adoption remains uneven. Most studies describe conceptual frameworks or pilot implementations rather than fully realized systems, and real-world deployment is hampered by interoperability challenges, scalability issues, regulatory uncertainties, and high costs. In conclusion, blockchain-based traceability shows great promise for the European food sector, but targeted efforts are needed to overcome it. Systematic Review https://archive.org/details/osf-registrations-m34ve-v1 .
Joel Curado Silveirinha, Manila Bhandari, João C. Ferreira, Ana Martins
Despite the maritime supply chain being the backbone of global trade, it faces persistent challenges in transparency, fraud prevention, shipment tracking and data privacy. Blockchain technology has emerged as a transformative solution, enhancing trust and traceability within supply chain networks. However, its limitations in data privacy and scalability necessitate advanced privacy-preserving mechanisms. Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP) offers a cryptographic approach to validate data without exposing sensitive information, addressing blockchain’s privacy constraints. This paper reviews the state of the art on current applications of blockchain in maritime supply chain management and explores the integration of ZKP for secure trade document verification, fraud detection, privacy-preserving traceability and regulatory compliance. Additionally, it examines computational overhead, scalability and adoption barriers while proposing future research directions. Implementing ZKP within blockchain-based port operations enables robust governance models, ensuring data verification without revealing confidential details. This approach fosters a secure and privacy-compliant trade environment, enhancing trust and collaboration among stakeholders. By optimising resource allocation and mitigating risks, integrating ZKP can significantly improve maritime supply chain efficiency. Integrating Zero-Knowledge Proofs with blockchain, maritime logistics can achieve a balance between transparency, security and operational efficiency, addressing existing challenges in data privacy and regulatory compliance, improving the sustainability of port operations.
Mohit Malik, Rahul S Mor, Vijay Kumar Gahlawat, Vikas Kumar
• Presents a novel hybrid blockchain and AI-enabled end-to-end SC traceability model. • Validates a multilayer Web3-based architecture integrating smart contracts, ML algorithms & IoT-enabled data capture. • Offers a proof-of-concept and feasibility analysis, highlighting scalability, transaction speed & system responsiveness. Conventional traceability systems without real-time information transmission are susceptible to tampering. In contrast, blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled traceability models offer transparency and accountability, given their decentralized nature and immutability. This research conceptualizes and develops a hybrid blockchain and AI-enabled traceability (prototype) model and implements it in the dairy industry. The study includes a collaborative research methodology, including a literature review to analyze the existing traceability solutions, identify data entry points, select model requirements, and deploy smart contracts, decentralized applications (Dapps) and Web3 technologies to develop and validate the proposed model via Testnet . The findings present the user interface developed as a prototype traceability model and its characteristics, such as transparency, decentralized nature, and immutability, followed by practical validation. The post-implementation data analysis highlighted the security, privacy, smart contract validation rules, and comparative insights, as well as the alignment of the theoretical model with practical applications using Web3 technologies. This research contributes to the literature on hybrid blockchain and AI-enabled traceability, highlighting the potential for exploring opportunities in the food industry.
Khoi Minh Nguyen, Lý Thị Trần, Binh-Hau Nguyen, Minh T. Nguyen · 7 authors
Blockchain functions as a “distributed ledger network,” ensuring immutability, transparency, and non-retroactivity of data, making it a key technology for sustainable development. This study explores how blockchain-enabled traceability systems influence consumer perceptions of environmental transparency, trust in technology, and purchase intentions for sustainable food in Vietnam. Using a digital survey of 450 participants and SmartPLS 4.0 with PLS-SEM analysis, findings reveal that both blockchain reviews and traceability systems significantly improve perceptions of transparency (β = 0.292; β = 0.364, p < 0.001) and technological trust (β = 0.268; β = 0.348, p < 0.001). The research bridges the gap between transparency perceptions and purchase behavior in sustainable development and foodservice strategy. It is one of the first studies to examine the combined impact of blockchain reviews and traceability. The article adds to existing literature by expanding understanding of blockchain’s effect, supporting businesses in aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
William Villegas-Ch, Rommel Gutiérrez, Jaime Govea, Joselin García-Ortiz
The perishability of food products in the supply chain poses a significant challenge in ensuring quality and safety. Inefficient monitoring of temperature, humidity, and storage time results in substantial economic losses and increased health risks. Traditional traceability systems rely on manual audits or essential IoT platforms that lack predictive capabilities, leading to delayed anomaly detection and inefficient intervention. Blockchain-based solutions improve transparency but primarily focus on record verification rather than active anomaly detection and automated decision-making. This study proposes an integrated system combining Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain to optimize food traceability through real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and secure decentralized record management. The system deploys smart sensors across storage and transportation units to continuously collect environmental data, which is processed by a deep learning model trained to detect deviations with 92.4 % accuracy. Detected anomalies trigger automated responses via smart contracts in a blockchain network, ensuring immediate corrective actions while maintaining immutable audit records. Results demonstrate a 64.3 % reduction in response time, improving reaction efficiency to critical storage failures. Additionally, false positive alerts decreased by 73.1 %, optimizing operational efficiency and minimizing unnecessary interventions. The blockchain implementation reduced storage overhead by 76.9%, ensuring scalability and long-term feasibility. This research establishes a foundation for intelligent, automated food supply chain management, demonstrating that integrating AI, IoT, and blockchain enhances safety, reduces waste, and optimizes logistics. Future work will focus on improvements in large-scale deployment and computational efficiency to refine this innovative approach.
Eka Lia Febrianti, Agus Suryadi, Ilwan Syafrinal, Andhika Andhika
Abstract: The global transition towards sustainable food systems faces significant challenges in vegetarian food supply chains, including transparency issues, distribution inefficiencies, and quality verification problems. This research proposes VegeChain development, a decentralized marketplace ecosystem based on smart contracts designed to transform vegetarian food supply chains and accelerate Meatless, Balanced, Green (MBG) program adoption. Using mixed-method methodology integrating blockchain system design, stakeholder analysis, and economic simulation, this research develops a comprehensive technology framework combining blockchain transparency, smart contract automation, and sustainable tokenomics with novel mathematical models. The system implements dynamic pricing algorithms based on Automated Market Maker (AMM) mechanisms, multi-objective optimization for supply chain efficiency, and reputation-based consensus protocols. Simulation results demonstrate that VegeChain implementation can improve supply chain efficiency by 35%, reduce food waste by 28%, and increase consumer trust by 42% measured through validated stakeholder satisfaction surveys (n=456) using 5-point Likert scales with statistical significance p<0.001. Technical innovations include Byzantine Fault Tolerant consensus with 99.9% reliability, gas optimization achieving 67% cost reduction, and real-time quality verification algorithms with 98.7% accuracy. Keywords: smart contracts; supply chain optimization; automated market makers; blockchain technology; sustainable tokenomics
UmaMaheswari Gurusamy, V Sangeetha, G PraveenKumar, A. Meenakshi
Purpose: This review paper examines the transformative potential of blockchain technology in addressing critical challenges within agricultural supply chains, including traceability, transparency, fraud prevention, and equitable value distribution. It aims to synthesize existing research and real-world applications to highlight how blockchain can create more efficient, sustainable, and fair food systems. Methodology/Approach: The study adopts a systematic literature review methodology, analyzing peer-reviewed articles, industry reports, and case studies from 2008 to 2024. Key frameworks and implementations, such as IBM Food Trust, AgriDigital, and TE-FOOD, are evaluated to identify patterns, benefits, and limitations of blockchain adoption in agriculture. Originality/Relevance: This paper contributes to the growing body of research on blockchain in agriculture by integrating insights from decentralized finance (DeFi), IoT, and AI, offering a holistic view of next-generation supply chains. It addresses gaps in scalability, regulatory challenges, and adoption barriers while proposing future trends like tokenization and predictive analytics. Key Findings: Blockchain enhances traceability, reducing food fraud and enabling rapid contamination tracking (e.g., Walmart’s mango traceability in 2.2 seconds). Smart contracts automate payments and compliance, empowering smallholder farmers with timely compensation. Integration with IoT and AI improves real-time monitoring and demand-supply matching, fostering sustainability. Challenges include scalability limitations, regulatory ambiguities, and the digital divide in rural areas. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions: The paper advances theoretical understanding by linking blockchain to ethical sourcing, sustainability, and farmer empowerment. Methodologically, it provides a framework for evaluating blockchain’s role in multi-stakeholder supply chains, emphasizing hybrid architectures and decentralized verification. The findings underscore blockchain’s potential as a foundational technology for equitable and resilient food systems.
Globalized supply chains are strained by fragmented data, multi-tier opacity, counterfeit risks, and costly disputes. Blockchain—a shared, append-only ledger—has been proposed to enhance transparency, traceability, and operational efficiency, yet real-world adoption reveals both breakthroughs and bottlenecks. This paper develops a deploymentminded view that integrates GS1 EPCIS/CBV standards for interoperable event data, permissioned ledgers for governance, and privacy-preserving proofs (zero-knowledge) to reconcile transparency with business confidentiality. We synthesize evidence from systematic reviews and flagship pilots (e.g., Walmart–IBM Food Trust) and contrast them with lessons from initiatives that wound down (e.g., TradeLens), extracting adoption patterns, KPI impacts, and failure modes. We then describe a reference methodology—data acquisition via EPCIS events, Fabric-based channels, and role-based access—plus an evaluation rubric for trace time, recall precision, dispute cycle time, and data-reconciliation costs. Results from literature-anchored benchmarks indicate orders-of-magnitude traceability lead-time (TLT) reductions (days → seconds) and measurable reductions in manual reconciliation, with gains contingent on standards compliance and high-quality “oracle” data. Finally, we map future directions—zk-proof rollups, interoperable digital product passports, and policy-aligned sustainability metrics—alongside candid limitations around ecosystem incentives, privacy, scalability, and data veracity. We conclude that blockchain can shift chains from reactive to verifiable and auditable networks when combined with data standards, sound governance, and selective privacy technologies rather than “full transparency” alone.
The major challenges faced by confectionery supply chain are lack of information, traceability, managing the ownership of goods across supply chains, inability to track vendors in real-time. Blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) in Industry 4.0 era help organisations to overcome these challenges by guaranteeing authentic information, real-time visibility, and transparency across the supply chain management. The extant literature has revealed that blockchain and IoT technologies are in their early stages of information management for the supply chain. This study explores the potential opportunities available with Blockchain and IoT in the confectionery supply chain. Utilising the inputs from the survey and interviews, the article identifies to present the gaps in the supply chain and proposes a new blockchain and IoT-based architecture of the food safety system for the confectionery supply chain. Typical blockchain architecture is designed for a food safety system, and the technical specifications required to implement blockchain are evaluated. Further, blockchain-assisted distribution information management is proposed to bring more visibility to the shipment of goods. Implications of deploying blockchain and IoT in the supply chain from a management perspective are discussed. The study distinguishes itself from existing literature in two ways: first, by introducing a tailored blockchain and IoT architecture specifically designed for food safety in the confectionery supply chain; and second, by demonstrating its practical implications in addressing real-time traceability, transparency, and operational efficiency in line with Industry 4.0 goals. This integrated approach helps organisations make informed decisions, reduce supply chain risks, and improve regulatory compliance across the confectionery value chain.
The cold-chain supply of perishable fruits continues to face challenges such as fuel wastage, fragmented stakeholder coordination, and limited real-time adaptability. Traditional solutions, based on static routing and centralized control, fall short in addressing the dynamic, distributed, and secure demands of modern food supply chains. This study presents a novel end-to-end architecture that integrates multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL), blockchain technology, and generative artificial intelligence. The system features large language model (LLM)-mediated negotiation for inter-enterprise coordination, Pareto-based reward optimization balancing spoilage, energy consumption, delivery time, and climate and emission impact. Smart contracts and Non-Fungible Token (NFT)-based traceability are deployed over a private Ethereum blockchain to ensure compliance, trust, and decentralized governance. Modular agents-trained using centralized training with decentralized execution (CTDE)-handle routing, temperature regulation, spoilage prediction, inventory, and delivery scheduling. Generative AI simulates demand variability and disruption scenarios to strengthen resilient infrastructure. Experiments demonstrate up to 50% reduction in spoilage, 35% energy savings, and 25% lower emissions. The system also cuts travel time by 30% and improves delivery reliability and fruit quality. This work offers a scalable, intelligent, and sustainable supply chain framework, especially suitable for resource-constrained or intermittently connected environments, laying the foundation for future-ready food logistics systems.
Blockchain technology has been widely explored for enhancing transparency, traceability, and security in food supply chains. However, existing blockchain implementations rely on single distributed ledgers, causing interoperability and privacy concerns. This paper introduces FoodFresh, a novel multi-chain blockchain approach that allows food supply chain stakeholders to maintain individual blockchains while ensuring interoperability via a decentralized relay hub. The system is evaluated using real-world supply chain datasets, analyzing efficiency, transaction latency, and security improvements. Results demonstrate enhanced traceability, improved data privacy, and increased scalability. Future work includes expanding cross-chain communication protocols and exploring AI integration for predictive analytics.
Coffee is consumed worldwide, with its supply chain starting with coffee growers, who benefit least from it. Across its production, distribution, and commercialization processes, there are risks and issues that could damage the safety and authenticity of this product. Therefore, the coffee industry is looking for innovative technologies that allow traceability in the coffee supply chain. In this context, blockchain technology offers a promising solution as it supports traceability via a decentralized system that allows immutable records and transparent access; it also promotes collaborative work and removes intermediaries by generating trust between participants. This systematic literature review describes the state-of-the-art in research and development about the use of blockchain technology to improve traceability in the coffee supply chain. We also outline the open challenges that remain to be addressed in this field. We use the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology to achieve this goal. Our findings suggest that the developments are mainly conceptual designs and prototypes, focusing on tracing products and verifying their authenticity using the Ethereum or Hyperledger blockchains. Also, our results show various challenges on the technology side, like efficiency improvements, integration with other technologies, infrastructure, and a lack of standards. There are also challenges at the management level, like the necessity of agreements for traceability processes, data governance, willingness to invest and pay, education, and support to deploy the technology on farms. After overcoming these open challenges, blockchain technology can improve traceability and increase value for stakeholders in the coffee supply chain.
Статията изследва въздействието на новата институционална икономика (НИЕ) върху аграрния сектор, като акцентира върху ролята на смарт договорите за намаляване на транзакционните разходи и повишаване на икономическата ефективност. НИЕ разглежда институциите като ключов фактор за координация и управление на икономическите взаимодействия, особено в условия на висока несигурност, специфичност на активите и опортюнистично поведение. Смарт договорите, базирани на блокчейн технология, се представят като иновативен механизъм за автоматизиране на процесите на договаряне, мониторинг и изпълнение на споразумения. Те елиминират необходимостта от посредници, минимизират риска от човешки грешки и увеличават прозрачността във веригата на стойността. Използвайки стохастични модели, статията оценява ефективността на разходите за преки вложения, договорна работа и обслужване на дълга при три сценария – базов, оптимистичен и песимистичен. Резултатите показват значителен потенциал на смарт договорите да трансформират аграрния сектор чрез намаляване на транзакционните разходи и подобряване на рентабилността, особено при пълно внедряване. Въпреки това, приложението им е ограничено от недостатъчно развита инфраструктура, липса на технологични умения и неясноти в регулаторната рамка. Статията подчертава необходимостта от целенасочена институционална подкрепа за преодоляване на тези бариери. Изследването допринася към литературата с интердисциплинарен подход, свързващ теоретични модели и практически анализи, предоставяйки основа за развитие на устойчиви политики в аграрния сектор.
As global industries confront mounting complexity, regulatory mandates, and urgent sustainability targets, end‑to‑end transparency has become nonnegotiable. Design for Traceability (DfT) delivers a transformative blueprint—encoding traceability into the very DNA of products and materials. By harnessing Smart Identification Technologies (SIT)— including Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID), Near Field Communication (NFC), QR codes, IoT sensors, and blockchain—DfT establishes immutable “digital DNA,” realized through interoperable Digital Product Passports (DPPs) and Material Passports (MPs). These passports grant real‑time visibility, secure authentication, and frictionless data exchange, catalyzing circular resource loops while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.The DfT framework is anchored by five interdependent pillars: Lifecycle‑Centric Design: Embeds traceability at inception via modular architecture, durable materials, and design-for-disassembly, extending product life and simplifying end-of-life recovery. Digital Traceability Infrastructure: Constructs a secure, interoperable data ecosystem by integrating SIT and distributed ledger technology, enabling continuous monitoring, analytics, and decision support through DPP and MP integration. Circular Business Models: Transitions from one‑time sales to service‑based offerings, remanufacturing, and R‑strategies (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), unlocking new revenue streams and preserving asset value. Stakeholder Collaboration: Builds shared platforms and decentralized governance to unite manufacturers, regulators, consumers, and recyclers in transparent data‑sharing networks, strengthening trust and supply‑chain resilience. Regulatory Alignment: Integrates traceability into corporate strategy to anticipate stringent sustainability mandates, leveraging digital audits and transparent reporting for streamlined compliance. By interweaving these pillars, DfT empowers organizations to mitigate supply‑chain risks, optimize resource utilization, and accelerate the shift toward a resilient, transparent circular economy. This holistic framework equips policymakers, industry leaders, and designers with actionable strategies to embed sustainability, accountability, and innovation at every stage of the product lifecycle.
Figueiredo, Bernardo J. R., Ferreira, Marco P. M., Matos, João, Cova, Marco
A new approach to asset management and traceability emerges upon the integration of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and Digital Twin (DT) technology. While NFTs are widely used in digital art and gaming, their potential for securing real-world assets in DT simulations remains under-explored. A generic NFT-driven DT simulation platform could transform asset management by enhancing traceability, optimizing operations, and fostering sustainability within and across industries. In livestock management, DTs can model individual animals in real time, capturing data on health and growth. Linking this data to NFTs ensures ownership and provenance, improving traceability and accountability. Similarly, in manufacturing, DTs can identify inefficiencies, reducing waste and energy use. It is pressing to improve decision-making and operational efficiencies throughout distinct contexts. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted following PRISMA. The goal was to build a solid, unbiased foundation for our research, contribute lasting value to the community, and identify where our work can make the most impact. From an initial set of 114 papers, the authors screened and classified the most relevant. This led to a final selection of 8 papers for full-text reading and in-depth analysis. They are presented in detail and compared in order to depict the current state of the art in the field. Results reveal a significant gap concerning the topic, particularly highlighting the absence of simulation environments that align with the previous proposal presented by the authors: a comprehensive NFT-driven and DT simulation platform that transforms NFT-based asset management from static ownership records to dynamic, provides simulation operational tools, enables real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and performance optimization for real-world assets.