Green supply chain quantitative models for sustainable inventory management: A review. (15th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Becerra, Pablo; Mula, Josefa; Sanchis, Raquel
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 328(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12-15
• Subjects: Supply chain -- Sustainability -- Inventory management -- Quantitative models -- Optimisation -- Simulation; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.129544
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: This paper provides a systematic and up-to-date review and classification of 91 studies on quantitative methods of green supply chains for sustainable inventory management. It particularly identifies the main study areas, findings and quantitative models by setting a point for future research opportunities in sustainable inventory management. It seeks to review the quantitative methods that can better contribute to deal with the environmental impact challenge. More specifically, it focuses on different supply chain designs (green supply chain, sustainable supply chain, reverse logistics, closed-loop supply chain) in a broader application context. It also identifies the most important variables and parameters in inventory modelling from a sustainable perspective. The paper also includes a comparative analysis of the different mathematical programming, simulation and statistical models, and their solution approach, with exact methods, simulation, heuristic or meta-heuristic solution algorithms, the last of which indicate the increasing attention paid by researchers in recent years. The main findings recognise mixed integer linear programming models supported by heuristic and metaheuristic algorithms as the most widely used modelling approach. Minimisation of costs and greenhouse gas emissions are the main objectives of the reviewed approaches, while social aspects are hardly addressed. The main contemplated inventory management parameters are holding costs, quantity to order, safety stock and backorders. Demand is the most frequently shared information. Finally, tactical decisions, as opposed to strategical and operational decisions, are the main ones. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: To systematically review 91 articles on sustainable inventory management. To analyse analytical and simulation sustainable inventory management models. To identify quantitative methods that contribute with the environmental impact. To identify heuristic solution algorithms for sustainable inventory management.