A systematic literature review on low-carbon logistics

Wang, Yingkai, Mason, Robert ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9089-2521 and Sanchez Rodrigues, Vasco ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3375-3079 2024. A systematic literature review on low-carbon logistics. Presented at: 28th Annual Logistics Research Network (LRN) Conference 2024, Dublin, Ireland, 4-6 September 2024. Proceedings LRN Annual Conference 2024. pp. 260-266.

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Abstract

Purpose: This paper examines the domain of low-carbon logistics without imposing specific limitations, aiming to identify the academic streams within this area of research inquiry by applying an extensive bibliographic analysis. Research Approach: This paper adopts the systematic literature review methodology to undertake an in-depth evaluation of journal articles sourced from the Web of Science and Scopus databases spanning the years 2020 to 2024. A bibliographic analysis of these articles is conducted, aiming to construct a visual review of the knowledge network on low carbon logistics. This visualization is achieved through the analysis of citation and co-citation data, facilitating an understanding of the interconnections within the journal articles on this topic. The clusters derived from this bibliographic analysis is subsequently interpreted through content analysis. Such key clusters can contribute to elucidate the current structural composition of knowledge and research collaboration within this area of research. Findings and originality: The results reveal that the predominant theories employed on low carbon logistics research are institutional theory, stakeholder theory, and the Resource-based View (RBV) and Natural Resource-Based View (NRBV). Within this diverse research area, particular emphasis is placed on challenges such as routing problems, the adoption of alternative fuel-powered vehicles (notably electric vehicles), logistic practices within sustainable supply chain management, the integration of new technologies (such as artificial intelligence and digital tools) in decarbonisation efforts, and innovative logistic models (including reverse logistics and circular economy). Moreover, the enablers and barriers to Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) across various contexts and industries are extensively explored. Research Impact: The findings pave the way for novel academic directions into the identification of enablers and barriers for Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) in the adoption of firm-specific technologies (including digital technologies), i.e., electric and hydrogen vehicles, as well as the literature emphasises the importance of government policy as a motivator for the acceleration of Logistics decarbonisation. Practical Impact: This paper can provide practitioners with a categorization of articles across various research themes, thereby aiding them in the identification of challenges and the formulation of the logistics decarbonisation strategies of their organisations. It also informs policy makers on how government policy can act as motivator for logistics decarbonisation.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Business (Including Economics)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	17 October 2025
Date of Acceptance:	20 June 2024
Last Modified:	21 Oct 2025 12:00
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/181742

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