Achieving sustainable carbon-neutral supply chain: A perspective of integrating blockchain technology

Abstract

With the global shift towards a carbon-neutral supply chain (CNSC), blockchain technology (BT) is becoming increasingly significant. The food supply chain (FSC) significantly generates carbon emissions. This study evaluates how the integration of blockchain technology (IBT) is feasible to attain a CNSC. This study also finds the nexus among the sustainable development goals and how they behave between IBT and CNSC. This study presented a new framework based on the resource-based view and dynamic capability, which was tested using structural equation modeling (SEM). A comprehensive online survey was conducted utilizing a questionnaire that gathered responses from 200 individuals employed in the agricultural and food sectors. The finding reveals that the implementation of disruptive BT has a beneficial impact on the FSC by reducing emissions, ensuring safety, improving supply chain performance, minimizing food waste, and boosting consumer trust. Nonetheless, two variables, namely enhance supply chain performance, and build consumer trust, do not contribute to achieving a CNSC, as they enhance operational efficiency and trust, which might not directly result in a decrease in carbon emissions. The study enriches the literature on IBT in FSC to attain a CNSC while making the supply chain network more transparent, agile, and sustainable. It also challenges conventional wisdom by revealing factors that do not lead to a CNSC and guides policymakers to develop strategies to attain a CNSC.