Chapter 4: Digitalisation and Sustainable Supply Chain Operations: An Overview and Case Analysis Available to Purchase

This study examines the relationship between digitalisation and sustainability through the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability. Digital transformation offers significant opportunities to achieve sustainability goals along the supply chain. Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), cloud computing, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) enable sustainable choices by optimising information in the supply chain, improve resource utilisation, improve inventory management by increasing the accuracy of demand forecasts, and support recyclable product design. The study analyses the relationship between digitalisation and sustainable supply chain management (SCM) by examining the sustainability reports of three large enterprises from Turkey. Arçelik operates in the white goods industry and takes important steps towards supply chain sustainability. Supplier Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) Program is integrated into supplier selection and evaluation criteria and energy and resource use is optimised through digitalisation projects. Taypa operates in the textile industry and aims to minimise its environmental impact by using technologies that reduce water consumption. It also recycles textile waste by applying circular economy principles in its supply chain. Ülker operates in the food industry and focusses on responsible sourcing of agricultural raw materials. IoT manufacturing execution system (MES) projects have increased efficiency and reduced carbon emissions in factories. The sustainability reports of these three businesses clearly demonstrate the contribution of digitalisation to supply chain sustainability. Digitalisation plays a critical role for more sustainable and efficient supply chain operations.