A multi-criteria assessment of barriers to low-carbon technology adoption for sustainable circular supply chain management: A pathway to sustainability achievement in the carbon trading era

Advancements in technology are crucial for enhancing sustainable circular supply chain (CSC) management and achieving carbon neutrality goals, yet the adoption of these technologies is hampered by complex external barriers. Timely and effective interventions are essential to overcome these barriers. This study examines the barriers to the widespread adoption of low-carbon technologies (LCTs) in supply chain management using the best–worst method (BWM) and grey influence analysis (GINA). By ranking and analysing the influence of various barriers, the study provides key insights for promoting sustainable CSC practices. The BWM identified the top three barriers as “Insufficient regulatory framework”, “Lack of clean technology”, and “Scarcity of energy resources”. GINA corroborated these findings, highlighting “Lack of clean technology”, “System challenges and cost issues”, and “Insufficient regulatory framework” as the most influential barriers. These barriers significantly impact LCT implementation, emphasising the need to address them. “Lack of clean technology” underscores the need for advanced and efficient technologies, while “Insufficient regulatory frameworks” point to the importance of supportive policies. Overcoming these barriers requires a comprehensive approach that integrates technological progress, regulatory support and efforts to boost market demand for LCTs. Successfully navigating these barriers allows organizations to progress towards more sustainable and environmentally conscious supply chain management.