Proceedings of ICLT 2023
BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY EMPOWERING DIGITAL PRODUCT PASSPORTS FOR SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Manos-Nikolaos Papadakis; Evangelia Kopanaki; Asterios Stroumpoulis
University of Piraeus, Greece; University of Piraeus, Greece; University of Piraeus, Greece
International Conference on Logistics & Transport 2023, Helsinki, Finland, pp. 51-59
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Abstract
Purpose To address the challenges of efficient and sustainable supply chain management, the EU has introduced the concept of "Digital Product Passports" (DPP) as a potential tool for promoting traceability, transparency, and sustainability throughout supply chains, while enhancing waste management (WM) processes. Therefore, the DPP is a novel project for the EU, engaging both academics and practitioners. The successful implementation of DPP relies on the integration of new information technologies, such as Blockchain Technology (BT). Previous research has shown that this technology has the potential to revolutionize supply chain management, primarily due to its ability to enable transparency, traceability, and accountability, which are essential resources for supporting the DPP and effectively managing product waste. Furthermore, the transparency and visibility provided by BT could enhance the legitimacy of DPPs. This transparency can be further enhanced using global, mutually acceptable, standards that allow the unambiguous identification of the different stakeholders and traceable units of interest. The purpose of this study is to discuss and assess the use of BT in conjunction with global standards to achieve an interoperable, immutable DPP implementation in the EU. Design/methodology/approach The authors have conducted an extensive literature review to develop a conceptual framework, which shows how BT empowers the DPP, leading to improved sustainable performance, better waste management, and the creation of social value within supply chains. By drawing upon the Legitimacy and Stakeholders’ Theories, the proposed framework emphasizes the significance of transparency and traceability, which ultimately contribute to the creation of social value. It provides a foundational starting point, both to academics and practitioners, for future research and real-world applications, promoting the adoption of sustainable and transparent practices. Findings This study contribu
Keywords
Blockchain Technology; Digital Product Passport; Supply Chain & Waste Management; Sustainability; Standards
Citation
Manos-Nikolaos Papadakis; Evangelia Kopanaki; Asterios Stroumpoulis (2023). BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY EMPOWERING DIGITAL PRODUCT PASSPORTS FOR SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK. Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics & Transport (ICLT 2023), Helsinki, Finland, pp. 51-59.