Mathematical Models for Sustainable Supply Chains and Operations

Abstract As competition has shifted from individual firms to entire networks, supply chain management has become central to operations research. The extensive body of related work has advanced both supply chain practice and management mathematics theory. Yet, sustainable supply chain management has not received the same depth of treatment. In this editorial, we argue that sustainability cannot simply be added to existing models through small modifications. It requires developing a brand-new perspective on model-based research. We propose four key features that models for sustainable supply chains must incorporate. First, they need to handle trade-offs across different dimensions of sustainability. Second, they must look beyond single companies to examine whole supply chains. Third, they should account for the wider uncertainties involved in measuring environmental and social impacts. Fourth, they need to embrace circular economy principles. The four articles in this special issue show how new mathematical methods can address these challenges. We conclude by discussing future research directions that would help incorporate the inherent complexity and uncertainty of sustainability problems.