This paper presents a systematic review of the role of blockchain technology in fostering sustainable supply chains, with a particular emphasis on its implementation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The objective is to explore how blockchain can address critical challenges such as transparency, traceability, and accountability, thereby contributing to more sustainable and ethical supply chain practices. Through an extensive literature review, this study examines various blockchain applications and their potential to enhance sustainability by reducing inefficiencies, ensuring compliance with environmental standards, and mitigating risks related to unethical practices. The research methodology involved a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed articles, case studies, and industry reports to identify the benefits and barriers of blockchain adoption in supply chains. Key findings suggest that while blockchain can significantly enhance transparency and sustainability, SMEs face unique challenges in terms of technological adoption, cost implications, and scalability. Additionally, the paper proposes a framework tailored to SME needs, outlining practical steps for blockchain implementation, including initial investment strategies, stakeholder collaboration, and integration with existing technologies. The study concludes that blockchain holds great potential for advancing sustainable supply chains, but its adoption by SMEs requires a strategic approach that addresses financial, technical, and operational barriers. This framework provides a roadmap for SMEs aiming to leverage blockchain technology to achieve sustainability goals, thus contributing to long-term business competitiveness and compliance with global sustainability standards.
Purpose There is little empirical evidence on how blockchain affordances may encourage consumers to make sustainable choices. Thus, this paper examines how blockchain affordances affect consumers’ sustainable consumption. Design/methodology/approach We focus on three blockchain affordances: transparency, traceability, and immutability in this paper. By integrating the affordance lens and theory of consumption values (TCV), we develop a research model wherein we posit that blockchain affordances influence several consumption values, which then affect consumers’ intention to purchase sustainable products. In the study, we designed a scenario and user interface for a novel blockchain-based app for sustainable consumption in the context of the fashion industry and surveyed 295 European consumers to examine the study’s research model. We then analyzed the collected data using the partial least squares technique. Findings The results show that blockchain affordances positively affect consumption values, including efficiency, social impression, trust, and sustainability information clarity. In turn, these values influence the consumers’ purchase intention of sustainable products. Additionally, our post hoc analysis shows that these consumption values fully mediate the effect of blockchain affordances on consumers’ purchase intention, where trust and sustainability information clarity is found to have a higher impact. Originality/value Empirical research studies focusing on understanding blockchain’s effect on sustainable consumption values have been limited in prior literature. This study, drawing on the affordance lens, proposes distinct blockchain affordances and empirically validates their impact on consumers’ sustainable purchase intention. By integrating TCV, it highlights the mediating mechanism that drives blockchain’s impact on consumers’ purchase intention. We empirically identify the values that mediate the effects of blockchain affordances on consumers’ purchase intention; further, we discuss implications for research and practice based on the study findings.
Purpose This paper aims to investigate the emergence of blockchain-enabled traceability in complex multi-tiered supply chains, focusing on the perspective of upstream suppliers. Blockchain technology receives attention for its potential to enable better traceability and thus sustainability risk management, yet there is limited empirical evidence on how actual implementation unfolds. We aim to understand how blockchain adoption unfolds in practice, particularly in critical mineral supply chains that are critical to the sustainability transition yet linked to severe environmental and human rights risks and to explore the role of traditionally non-focal firms in this process. Design/methodology/approach Adopting a process-based case study design, our research is grounded in data collected through participant observation (>12 months) within an upstream mining company, supplemented by interviews and document review. Our study employs the complex adaptive systems (CAS) lens and uses an abductive approach for data analysis. Findings In our case, blockchain-based traceability in the cobalt supply chain was co-constructed over time, fundamentally driven by a large upstream supplier but enabled through supply-chain-spanning collaboration with like-minded downstream actors and successive expansion into the opaque midstream, enabled through a stakeholder alliance forum and formalized in the blockchain. We find, however, that visibility, standards, trust and follow-up capacities need to exist in their own right, ideally prior to blockchain implementation. Originality/value Our paper provides empirical insights from an upstream (vs downstream) perspective and investigates blockchain’s implementation (vs potential) to complement and ground existing research. Further, we extend the CAS framework by emphasizing agency and visible horizon of traditionally non-focal firms.
Christos Roumeliotis, Minas Dasygenis, Vasilis Lazaridis, Michael Dossis
The Fourth Industrial Revolution has transformed industries and supply chains by integrating advanced operations, tools, and logistics services. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, particularly in ensuring data dependability, security, and operational efficiency. Digital twins (DTs), which replicate real-world components and processes, have emerged as essential tools for enhancing predictive analytics, simulation, and product lifecycle management in Industry 4.0. However, traditional DT development relies on centralized systems, which are vulnerable to data tampering and security breaches, especially in the management of transaction logs and historical data. To address these challenges, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of integrating blockchain with DTs. Using a qualitative research methodology, including desk research, case studies, and interviews with industry experts, we analyze various blockchain-based DT applications across industries and specifically in supply chain management. The findings reveal that blockchain-enhanced DTs can significantly improve data integrity, traceability, and security, thus boosting operational efficiency and quality control in supply chains. Additionally, this study identifies key integration techniques and the role of blockchain in automating processes through smart contracts. This review provides insights into the practical implications of blockchain-based DTs, highlighting their potential to enhance the reliability and scalability of Industry 4.0 operations.
This review examines how blockchain technology can be leveraged to enhance data privacy and security in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). As global supply chains become increasingly complex and the demand for sustainability grows, ensuring data privacy and security has become a critical concern. Traditional supply chain systems often face challenges such as data breaches, lack of transparency, and difficulty in tracing products and materials. Blockchain technology, with its decentralized, immutable, and transparent architecture, offers a promising solution to these challenges. Blockchain can enhance data security by ensuring that data is tamper-proof, traceable, and encrypted, thus protecting sensitive information across the supply chain. It provides transparency while allowing permissioned access, ensuring that stakeholders can verify data without exposing confidential information. Furthermore, privacy-preserving technologies such as zero-knowledge proofs and homomorphic encryption allow verification of data without compromising its security. Smart contracts enable automated compliance with regulatory frameworks like GDPR, reducing the risk of human error and improving operational efficiency. The integration of blockchain in SSCM can improve traceability, transparency, and accountability, thereby promoting environmental and social sustainability. By tracking the origin and journey of goods, blockchain helps verify ethical sourcing practices and reduce carbon footprints. However, the technology also presents challenges, including scalability, integration with legacy systems, and cost considerations. Through case studies in industries such as food, textiles, and renewable energy, this review highlights the practical applications and benefits of blockchain for SSCM. It concludes that blockchain has the potential to revolutionize supply chain operations, but careful consideration must be given to overcoming its technical and financial barriers to widespread adoption.
This review proposes a comprehensive framework that integrates data fusion with Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) to enhance sustainability in supply chain management. In today’s global supply chains, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and environmental responsibility is critical, yet the lack of real-time visibility and data fragmentation presents significant challenges. The framework addresses these issues by merging data from multiple sources, including IoT devices, operational databases, and external environmental factors, using advanced data fusion algorithms. DLT, with its decentralized, immutable, and transparent nature, ensures the integrity and security of the data, allowing all stakeholders to access accurate and tamper-proof information. The fusion of data within a DLT infrastructure not only improves traceability and accountability but also enables the automation of sustainability checks via smart contracts. These contracts can trigger actions based on predefined sustainability metrics such as carbon emissions, energy consumption, and resource efficiency. Furthermore, predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms integrated into the system provide real-time monitoring and optimization of sustainability performance throughout the supply chain. The proposed review offers numerous benefits, including enhanced transparency, reduced operational costs, improved sustainability outcomes, and risk mitigation. It also addresses challenges such as scalability, data privacy, and regulatory compliance, offering solutions to overcome these hurdles. By exploring case studies of successful implementations, this review demonstrates the practical applications and future potential of combining DLT and data fusion for sustainable supply chain management, positioning it as a critical tool for organizations aiming to meet environmental and regulatory demands in an increasingly digital and eco-conscious world.
Rizwan Matloob Ellahi, Lincoln C. Wood, Alaa Ei-Din A. Bekhit
This systematic review critically examines the diverse applications of Blockchain technology in the food supply chain and identifies areas where its potential remains underutilized. By analysing 60 Blockchain-based frameworks, the study highlights the most frequently employed drivers such as transparency, traceability, and security within food supply chains. Additionally, underexplored applications such as food donation and redistribution, supply chain financing, animal welfare, food waste management, and data analysis are identified, revealing opportunities for further innovation. The research employed NVivo 14 to analyze the extent of Blockchain’s implementation in various food supply chain drivers, and the findings informed the development of a more diverse framework for Blockchain integration. Key insights demonstrate Blockchain’s transformative potential, particularly in enhancing data integrity, trust, and operational efficiency through its immutable ledger and smart contracts, which streamline transactions, cut administrative costs, and reduce fraud. In terms of sustainability and safety, Blockchain improves traceability, accelerates safety responses, promotes environmental sustainability by tracking resource usage, and enhances humanitarian efforts with transparent, efficient resource distribution. Additionally, Blockchain facilitates food waste reduction by optimizing inventory and distribution, while ensuring surplus food reaches those in need. The study concludes by offering a roadmap for future research, pointing toward untapped dimensions of Blockchain’s application in food traceability, sustainable supply chain management, and environmental & social impact. While the review provides a comprehensive understanding of Blockchain’s current usage in food supply chains, the scope is limited by the systematic review process and specific inclusion criteria. This study serves as a foundation for exploring Blockchain’s broader potential in shaping the future of food supply chains.
Javed Aslam, Kee‐hung Lai, Yun Bae Kim, Horst Treiblmaier
Empirical studies based on detailed, theory-based analyses are essential for a deep understanding of technology adoption. This study provides an overview of blockchain applications in logistics management, employing a comprehensive theoretical framework. Blockchain is considered a critical digital infrastructure for logistics operations due to its distinctive characteristics, including decentralization, transparency, immutability, real-time information sharing, reliability, and end-to-end visibility. These characteristics address many contemporary logistics challenges. The study introduces a research model that integrates the fit-viability model (FVM) and task technology fit theory (TTF), demonstrating blockchain's suitability for enhancing logistics operational functions and sustainability performance. To validate the model, data were collected from logistics managers of 576 companies and analyzed using partial least squares (PLS) regression. This research offers valuable insights for managers, policymakers, and decision-makers on practical challenges and potential solutions in logistics through the application of blockchain. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that the implementation of blockchain can improve the alignment, resilience, transparency, integration, and sustainability of logistics tasks.
This study explores the determinants of the intention to adopt blockchain technology for sustainable supply chain management in Indian micro, small, and medium enterprises. Different from existing studies that advocate the use of socio-technical theory for blockchain technologies, we develop a new theoretical framework, called “SOS,” based on a review of the existing literature. This is an adaptation of the technology–organization–environment framework that examines the measures and scales from socio-technical, organizational, and sustainability contexts. We use ADANCO 2.3.2 for variance-based structural equation modeling. The results show that two of the nine hypotheses are negatively significant, while the rest are positive. In our context, social sustainability and computer self-efficacy are strongly negatively significant for the adoption intention of blockchain technology in our context. Software quality and environmental sustainability are strongly positively significant. Meanwhile, collaboration, economic sustainability, and relative advantage mediated by experience are positively significant. Our study contributes to the literature by offering a new theoretical framework, fresh insights from the Indian industry, and several recommendations to practitioners.
Building services systems are essential for creating a comfortable and safe living environment in buildings. These are complex systems with high stakeholder involvement, a lengthy lifecycle, and high financial costs. This leads to building services systems having complex procurement and management (P&M) requirements which create a multitude of challenges. Blockchain technology has emerged as a revolutionary digital technology under “Procurement 4.0”. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the applicability of blockchain technology for systematic procurement and management of building services. The science mapping method was used to systematically and quantitatively analyse 102 publications related to bibliographic records retrieved from Scopus and the Web of Science databases. This includes content analysis of the existing issues, current trends of technologies, and applicability of blockchain in the P&M of building services. The results of the bibliometric analysis indicate that publications had grown significantly faster in 2021 related to the P&M of building services with new technologies while there is a minimal collaboration of countries, organisations and authors in publishing research in this area. Further, it is observed that Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the main technology utilised in general P&M. As a result of content analysis, a total of 28 issues that affect the performance of procurement and management of building services are identified. The paper critically evaluates blockchain technology in terms of peer-to-peer networks, hashing algorithms, public key cryptography, consensus mechanisms, smart contracts, and distributed ledger. It indicates that blockchain provides a perfect match for resolving these issues. The findings of the research will open a path to apply blockchain technology in building services. The study offers a readily available point of reference for practitioners, policymakers and research and development bodies.
Focusing on the dual-channel supply chain system consisting of capital-constrained manufacturers, banks, retailers and third-party platforms, considering the dual roles of retailers and third-party platforms as channel participants and loan providers, the optimal financing strategies of capital-constrained manufacturers under centralized decision-making and decentralized decision-making are studied respectively, and the influence of different initial capital levels on their financing strategy selection is explored. The results show that under centralized decision-making, the third-party platform financing strategy is always better than the bank financing strategy; under the condition of equal financing interest rates, if the initial capital level allows both financing strategies to be selected, the third-party platform financing strategy can more effectively solve the capital constraint problem than the bank financing strategy. Under decentralized decision-making, with the intensification of channel competition, the reduction of revenue sharing rate or production cost, or the increase of initial capital, manufacturers will tend to choose the retailer financing strategy; under the condition of equal financing interest rates, if the initial capital level allows all three financing strategies to be selected, the retailer financing strategy can more effectively solve the manufacturer's capital constraint problem than the other two financing strategies.
Muhammad Lukman Baihaqi Alfakihuddin, Feby Theresia, Aurelia Adyarini Kacaya, Innaya Putri Munandar
As the globe faces difficulties in 2019, NFT grew popular in making, buying, selling, and trading more efficient while lowering the possibility of fraud. [1] This study aims to examine the claims made in academic literature regarding the sustainability of non-fungible tokens for the environment. Despite the growth of NFTs in 2019, the environmental impact of this technology has received little attention. Using a qualitative exploratory approach, this research analyzes relevant academic journals to understand the theoretical sustainability of NFTs and how that aligns, or fails to align, with the reality. The goal is to raise awareness about the environmental implications of NFTs and provide a critical assessment of the existing claims surrounding their sustainability.
Rosangela de Araújo Santos, Eduardo Oliveira Teles, Francisco Gaudêncio Mendonça Freires
Agriculture is one of the most economically important practices in the world; it is essential for food security and socioeconomic development in several countries. However, the use of pesticides, which are essential for fighting pests and weeds and guaranteeing agricultural yields, has brought about an environmental issue pertaining to the management of empty pesticide packaging. The improper disposal of pesticide packaging can put both environmental and human health at risk. Therefore, the implementation of reverse logistics systems will be essential if we are to ensure that packages are collected, recycled, and disposed of safely. Blockchain technology is an innovative solution that offers transparent and immutable recording of data, thereby facilitating traceability. In this study, we present the application of a circular economy-based framework to agricultural production via blockchain (and involving all actors within production and consumption) to enable the more responsible disposal of empty pesticide packaging for eventual reuse, recovery, or recycling. Bibliographical research was carried out through Scopus and Web of Science from 2018 to 2023; we principally aimed to provide an overview of this pertinent area of research using the following keywords: “blockchain”, “circular economy”, “pesticide packaging”, and “reverse logistics”. Bibliometrics using graphs and tables made it possible to refine the information collected from the databases. We analyzed how blockchain can be integrated alongside reverse logistics, highlighting how it can promote the principles of the circular economy through various methods of sustainable and responsible agriculture.
Halida Achmad Bagraff, Nur Kholis, Mugiyati, Fatikhah Ghofi Nabila
Supply chain efficiency, transparency, and sustainability can be enhanced using blockchain technology. Blockchain enables a company to accurately track raw material origin to finished products, which ensures standard quality and sustainability. Furthermore, blockchain improves partnerships between supply chain stakeholders by providing a confident, common platform for sharing data. The influence of implementing blockchain technology on supply chain sustainability includes reduced wastage, increased resource transparency, monitoring of social standards, and reduced operational costs. The challenges of blockchain implementation include scalability, incorporation with present systems, lack of expertise, safety and confidentiality, and regulatory uncertainty. Companies can tackle these challenges through collaborative approaches and technical improvements. In general, blockchain technology significantly enhances supply chain sustainability and efficiency, which provides opportunities for creative business solutions.
Blockchain technology holds the potential to revolutionise the logistics industry by sharing tamper-proof information in a decentralised manner, building trust among parties. However, adoption in the Australian logistics industry lags behind other sectors. This study uses fuzzy DEMATEL to investigate barriers to blockchain adoption, identifying thirteen key barriers within the technology-organisation-environment (TOE) framework. Cost of investment and integration difficulties among partners are the most prominent barriers, particularly within organisational contexts. The findings offer a theoretical foundation and practical insights for overcoming barriers and successfully implementing blockchain in logistics.
Abstract The purpose of this study is to design, develop and evaluate a blockchain platform in the field of circular economy (CE). To achieve this aim, the research demonstrates the feasibility of designing a decentralised architecture and prototyping a distributed system to increase customer engagement in the transition toward CE. Building on previous research and leveraging on the design science research approach, the paper identifies the technical and managerial issues that must be addressed to adopt blockchain as an enabling technology in the CE domain. More in details, starting with the identification of circular sharing economy (CSE) processes, a conceptual framework was designed to evaluate how blockchain implementation has the potential to enhance the role of customers involved in CSE processes. As for the practical implications, the suggested conceptual framework reduces the knowledge gap between blockchain developers and corporate social responsibility specialists. To bridge the gap, it identifies future directions and practical guidelines for designing and implementing blockchain to support the digital and sustainable innovation of more circular firms and supply chains.
Blockchain technology has received increasing attention from academia, practitioners, and policymakers alike for its potential to disrupt business processes and structures of trade in global value chains (GVC). Amidst the ongoing digitization of economies and societies, blockchain holds promise for addressing unresolved challenges. However, current research on this topic primarily consists of either abstract conceptual work or case studies. To bridge this gap, our study conducts a systematic literature review, aiming to comprehensively explore and structure the realm of blockchain and its impact on international trade. Key research questions explored include: What role do blockchain innovations play in facilitating trade within GVC? Additionally, what are the primary barriers hindering the adoption of blockchain innovations in trade within GVC? Our main contribution lies in categorizing these applications into five distinct categories: Trade Documents; Trade Finance; Trusted Real-Time Information Sharing; Provenance; and Sustainable GVC. Contrary to portraying blockchain innovations as a panacea or universal solution, our findings highlight the technologies’ potential rather as a core technological infrastructure when integrated with complementary technologies such as the Internet of Things. Moreover, we identify 11 significant barriers to blockchain adoption in international trade, underscoring the need for concerted efforts to address them. From these insights, we derive implications for policymakers and practitioners, and propose avenues for future interdisciplinary research.
Eduardo Acosta Llano, Pia Hurmelinna‐Laukkanen, Lauri Haapanen
Purpose This study examines the intricate interplay of blockchain, public governance and the circular economy (CE), aiming to assess the potential of blockchain technology (BT) in addressing challenges associated with the adoption of CE principles, particularly in the public sector. Design/methodology/approach Focused on public governance, the research employs in-depth interviews with Finnish policymakers actively engaged in CE initiatives. Qualitative analysis is applied to derive insights and patterns from the gathered data, providing a nuanced understanding of blockchain’s transformative role. Findings The study uncovers key dimensions for leveraging blockchain in the CE within the public sector. Notable findings include the significance of contextual transparency, the use of incentivization as a regulatory tool, the role of standardization through strategic autonomy and the importance of public engagement and participation. Originality/value This research contributes a unique framework that illuminates the transformative potential of blockchain within the CE, emphasizing its relevance to public governance. The identified dimensions offer practical insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to navigate the complexities of circular transitions in the public sector.
Abstract In the era of emerging technologies, many firms explore the role of blockchain technology and its impact on corporate market value. Past research has shown that companies benefit from executing blockchain projects, but little is known about specific value and risk drivers. Hence, we provide evidence for several conditions under which blockchain provides additional firm market value. Moreover, we test whether blockchain announcements lead to changes in the systematic risk of firms. Theoretically founded on the resource-based view, we utilize the event study methodology, supplemented by a multivariate regression and a firm’s beta analysis. We find that stock markets react positively to corporate blockchain news if the announcement is related to a blockchain consortium or partnership, is declared by a tech company, or if the announcement is a follow-up announcement to initial blockchain news. Moreover, our findings show that blockchain announcements do not lead to significant changes in a firm’s systematic risk.
Abstract Although Industry 4.0 plays the role of a catalyst in the transition from a linear economy to a circular economy (CE), some sustainability goals are neglected by prioritizing machines over humans. Industry 5.0 insists on combining technology with human values to achieve sustainable development goals. Therefore, the integration of CE and Industry 5.0 leads to sustainable synergy in various industries, especially in manufacturing industries. However, their integration is always associated with challenges and barriers. This study identifies a set of these barriers in the electric vehicle battery production industry from the financial, technical, supply chain, cultural, and regulatory and processes perspectives through a deep literature review. The fuzzy weighted influence non‐linear gauge system method is used to analyze the relationship between identified barriers and their prioritization. Finally, we leverage the knowledge of four experts from an electric vehicle battery manufacturing company in Southeast Asia to validate the proposed approach and to rank the barriers. The results demonstrate that immature technology providers are the biggest obstacle in the integration of blockchain‐based CE and Industry 5.0 in the electric vehicle battery manufacturing industry.
The application of Blockchain to enhance the industry's social economic resilience is widely of concern in the science, technology, and pharmaceutical industries. The research discusses the resilience of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) in the face of global health challenges and how blockchain can improve supply chain transparency and efficiency through its unique distributed ledger (DLT) technology. The report uses literature review methods to analyze the application of blockchain technology to real-time data sharing in the API supply chain and its impact on improving API supply chain adaptability, optimizing resource allocation, and enhancing risk management capabilities. As can be seen from the result, through the real-time data sharing by the distributed ledger (DLT), the API supply chain can more effectively respond to the fluctuation of the environment and market to enhance its social and economic resilience. This research demonstrates the potential of blockchain technology in optimizing pharmaceutical supply chain management to safeguard human health and well-being.
This study investigated the impact of blockchain-driven supply chain analytics on the dimensions of lean, agile, resilient, green, and sustainable (LARGS) supply chain management, as well as supply chain innovation (SCI) and sustainable supply chain performance (SSCP). The research involved 262 managers and vice presidents of supply chains from large- and medium-sized manufacturing companies listed in the Tehran Stock Exchange. A hybrid approach utilizing structural equations modelling with partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS) technique was employed for data analysis. The findings demonstrated a significantly positive effect of blockchain-driven supply chain analytics on SCI, the LARGS supply chain, and SSCP. Additionally, SCI exhibited a significantly positive impact on the LARGS supply chain and SSCP. Moreover, the LARGS supply chain was shown to have a significantly positive influence on SSCP. Both SCI and the LARGS supply chain played positive and significant mediating roles in the impact of blockchain-driven supply chain analytics on SSCP. Furthermore, the LARGS supply chain also acted as a significant mediator in the effect of SCI on SSCP. Lastly, SCI had a positive and significant mediating role in the impact of blockchain-driven supply chain analytics on the LARGS supply chain. In conclusion, it can be inferred that blockchain-driven supply chain analytics contributes to the enhancement of SSCP through the facilitation of SCI and the promotion of LARGS supply chain principles.
Gang Ping, Sherry X Wang, F. Zhao, Zeyu Wang · 5 authors
This study explores the application of blockchain technology in e-waste recycling, focusing on enhancing reverse logistics data tracking. A blockchain-based system integrating IoT sensors, smart contracts, and a token-based incentive mechanism was designed and implemented. The case study in Metropolis demonstrated significant improvements in e-waste management efficiency. Recycling rates increased by 27%, material recovery efficiency improved by 18%, and stakeholder participation doubled. The system processed an average of 50,000 transactions daily, proving its scalability. The blockchain implementation addressed key challenges in e-waste management, including lack of transparency and inefficient processes. The immutable audit trail enhanced traceability, fostering trust among participants. The token-based incentive system drove behavioral changes, increasing consumer participation by 119%. The study contributes to the theoretical understanding of blockchain applications in environmental management and extends literature on reverse logistics. Practical implications include a blueprint for implementing blockchain-based e-waste management systems, insights for policymakers, and opportunities for technology developers. The research demonstrates blockchain's potential to address environmental challenges, offering a promising path towards sustainable resource management practices. Future research directions include exploring cross-border e-waste management and integrating artificial intelligence for predictive analytics.
Inês A. Ferreira, Guido Palazzo, António Pinto, Pedro Pinto · 7 authors
Abstract Adopting innovative technologies such as blockchain and additive manufacturing can help organisations promote the development of additive symbiotic networks, thus pursuing higher sustainable goals and implementing circular economy strategies. These symbiotic networks correspond to industrial symbiosis networks in which wastes and by-products from other industries are incorporated into additive manufacturing processes. The adoption of blockchain technology in such a context is still in a nascent stage. Using the case study method, this research demonstrates the adoption of blockchain technology in an additive symbiotic network of a real-life context. The requirements to use a blockchain network are identified, and an architecture based on smart contracts is proposed as an enabler of the additive symbiotic network under study. The proposed solution uses the Hyperledger Fabric Attribute-Based Access Control as the distributed ledger technology. Even though this solution is still in the proof-of-concep t stage, the results show that adopting it would allow the elimination of intermediary entities, keep available tracking records of the resources exchanged, and improve trust among the symbiotic stakeholders (that do not have any trust or cooperation mechanisms established before the symbiotic relationship). This study highlights that the complexity associated with introducing a novel technology and the technology’s immaturity compared to other data storage technologies are some of the main challenges related to using blockchain technology in additive symbiotic networks.