Supply chain management for sustainable products - insights from research applying mixed methodologies

The significant growth in the academic literature on sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) can best be seen by the fact that three review papers have been published since 2007. In line with this, the question emerged – what distinguishes sustainable supply chain management from ‘conventional’ supply chain management? Here, the strategy of supply chain management for sustainable products proposed by Seuring and Müller (2008a) will be discussed. Against this background, this paper aims to develop a theory for sustainable supply chain management. While other contributions are taken into account, this will be primarily based on our own research spanning about 10 years and using multiple research methods. The empirical methods employed include: (1) case studies, (2) action research, (3) Delphi study, (4) survey research, and (5) literature reviews based on content analysis. The paper will provide insights into what was learned from the different research projects and how this has helped to gain a better and wider understanding of the field. This is discussed further by presenting hypotheses which should help to further advance the theory of supply chain management for sustainable products. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.