Blockchain in Closed-Loop Supply Chain: A Systematic Review and Future Research Agenda

This article investigates the potential applications of blockchain technology (BCT) in a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) using a systematic review of the literature. As a result, this study has used the Scopus database for a detailed search strategy to identify relevant studies on different applications of BCT in the context of CLSC. This article has employed a theme analysis approach and focuses specifically on peer-reviewed documents. Based on the themes and sub-themes, the CLSC literature has been divided into four clusters: ‘Barriers and enablers of blockchain implementation’, ‘Blockchain application in sustainability’, ‘Blockchain application in enabling soft supply chain dynamics’ and ‘Blockchain application in addressing inventory and other problems’. These four clusters are analysed to present future research areas on BCT applications in a CLSC, using a ‘results-systematization framework’. This study will provide valuable insights and understanding to researchers in advancing BCT-CLSC research. Moreover, practitioners and policymakers, who are interested in the implementation and execution of firm-level BCT in CLSC, will be greatly benefitted in terms of sustainable and efficient CLSC operations.