Title: Wholesale and sustainable supply chain: bridging gaps through digitalisation

Authors: Lucas Conde Stocco; Luciana Oranges Cezarino; Lara Bartocci Liboni; Flavio Pinheiro Martins

Addresses: School of Economics, Business and Accounting RP (FEARP), University of Sao Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil; School of Business and Management (FAGEN), Federal University of Uberlandia (UFU), Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil ' Department of Management, Ca' Foscari University, Venice, Italy; School of Business and Management (FAGEN), Federal University of Uberlandia (UFU), Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil ' School of Economics, Business and Accounting RP (FEARP), University of Sao Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil ' School of Economics, Business and Accounting RP (FEARP), University of Sao Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract: This paper aims to identify digital technologies unfolding to drive wholesale distributors' business into a more circular dynamic. We propose a Circular distribution 4.0 framework relating digital technologies and the circular economy. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with wholesale distributors agents in Brazil, sector-level reports were evaluated through document analysis to complement to foster the discussion. Content analysis was performed based on the data obtained, allowing a systemic analysis of the situation experienced by these wholesalers and their role in the supply chain. In a systemic approach, the proposed framework describes latent connections integrating stakeholders and its management process as an open system, considering their externality among the supply chain. This study contributes to the sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) research field by presenting the possibilities of action that stakeholders should take to achieve greater efficiency in sustainable operations.

Keywords: Distribution 4.0; circular economy; sustainable supply chain management; SSCM; closed-loop supply chain; systems approach.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSOM.2024.139240

International Journal of Services and Operations Management, 2024 Vol.48 No.3, pp.334 - 352

Received: 10 Nov 2021
Accepted: 12 Mar 2022
Published online: 28 Jun 2024 *

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