SUSTAINABLE SMART SUPPLY CHAINS: A REVIEW OF GREEN TECHNOLOGIES AND THEIR IMPACT ON LOGISTICS

Abstract

The increasing global focus on supply chain sustainability has driven the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and renewable energy technologies to optimize logistics operations while reducing environmental impact. This study systematically reviews 77 peer-reviewed articles to examine the economic viability, operational benefits, and sustainability implications of these emerging technologies in supply chain management. By following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, this research identifies key trends, advancements, and challenges in the integration of AI-driven predictive analytics, IoT-based real-time monitoring, blockchain-enabled transparency, and renewable energy solutions across logistics networks. The findings reveal that AI enhances demand forecasting, route optimization, and inventory management, leading to improvements in supply chain efficiency and cost reductions observed in 52 studies, while IoT improves supply chain visibility, predictive maintenance, and warehouse automation, with 49 studies reporting enhanced logistics tracking and asset management. Blockchain technology strengthens supplier accountability, fraud prevention, and sustainable procurement, as demonstrated in 45 studies, where smart contracts and digital ledger systems reduce administrative inefficiencies and enhance sustainability compliance. Additionally, renewable energy adoption in logistics, including solar-powered warehouses and hydrogen-powered fleets, contributes to significant cost savings and emissions reductions, as noted in 41 studies. Despite these benefits, challenges such as high capital investment requirements, energy storage limitations, regulatory barriers, and technological interoperability issues persist, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as highlighted in 36 studies. The research concludes that while AI, IoT, blockchain, and renewable energy solutions present unparalleled opportunities for supply chain sustainability and operational efficiency, their full-scale adoption requires strategic investments, cross-industry collaborations, and supportive policy frameworks to overcome economic and technological barriers.