Abstract

In supply chain management sustainability is often neglected or only addressed in a disconnected fashion. Traditionally the main aims of a supply chain are of an economic nature, i.e. to provide high service levels at the lowest possible cost. Social and environmental dimensions are usually not considered as part of comprehensive supply chain strategy. Rising consumer awareness and stricter governmental regulations are driving factors that force companies to extend the sustainability concept into their supply chains. Integral supply chain concepts like Just-In-Time, outsourcing, offshoring, small batch sizes and frequent deliveries appear to be incompatible with an integrated sustainability approach. This research addresses several associated problems in three interconnected steps. Firstly, key issues in supply chain management have to be identified. Secondly, trade-offs between economic, environmental, and social goals have to be assessed. Finally, these findings have to be formulated into an integrated approach that outlines how supply chains can adapt key operational issues to support a holistic sustainability strategy. The developed artefacts leverage and integrate features from established frameworks and may be used in a prescriptive manner to support sustainability within supply chains.