Sustainability

Blockchain is seen as an enabler to increase the efficiency, transparency, and security of information exchange in supply chains. An important application area is maritime logistics, as blockchain facilitates the digitalization of documents and increases the efficiency of the processes. In this article, we elaborate on the example of temperature-controlled container transports the potential for adopting blockchain and the requirements to be considered from the technological and organizational environment.

Today's business world is characterized by ever-increasing complexity in nearly every dimension. Supply chains can no longer be understood in a linear fashion, but form networks across numerous supply chain participants. Globalization and crises are straining existing structures, calling into question previously set priorities and measures, and demanding new solutions. How must supply chains be structured in this constantly changing environment in order to be successful? This article highlights fields of action for successful supply chain management.

Circular Economy is considered one of the most promising concepts on the way to a more sustainable economy. Expectations of a responsible corporate orientation are rising: This is shown by a recent ruling of the Federal Constitutional Court, which demands that Germany must be more ambitious in its climate goals [1]. The EU Green Deal envisages climate neutrality by 2050 and the “Circular Economy Action Plan” calls for more effective use of resources and reserves [2]. This article describes a method that companies can use to develop ideas for circular business models.

The digitalization in sustainability management and the creation of a consistent database for sustainability data can significantly support companies in meeting increasing sustainability requirements and transparency regarding the sustainability performance. This paper presents a service-oriented approach for the development of a platform for data-driven sustainability management in manufacturing companies.

A considerable part of global greenhouse gas emissions is caused in the industrial sector. Its digitialization is often seen as a means to increase sustainability. At the same time, ecological and social risks emerge. Their exploration is still in its infancy, however, previous findings point out multiple challenges. These must be conceptually taken into account in order to realize a sustainable industry 4.0. Building on a literature analysis, the following contribution presents current developments in research, industry, and policy. We shed light on a number of selected approaches, which aim at a sustainable industry 4.0. Finally, practical design options are outlined.

Accelerating climate change drives companies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Road freight transport accounts for around 6 % of global CO2 emissions. However, high growth rates, the dependence on fossil fuels, and the high fragmentation of the market make the decarbonization of road freight transport challenging. Based on survey results, this paper elaborates how small road carriers, together with their clients, can contribute to achieving global climate targets by implementing appropriate measures and incentives.