Reflecting on an empirical study of the digitalization initiatives for sustainability on logistics: The concept of sustainable logistics 4.0

Organizations are stimulated and informed by the consultants, competitors, and policymakers to develop their logistics strategies through the nexus of sustainability principles and digital intervention solutions. As the scholarly and managerial interests in sustainability and digital logistics technologies increase, there is an urgent requirement to expand the conceptual and implementation perspective. Sustainable logistics 4.0, yet in the nascent stage, is attracting the favourable attention of practitioners as it provides an opportunity to improve sustainability aspects of the business through digital intervention. In this study, fifteen enabling factors for implementing sustainable logistics 4.0 are identified and critically evaluated for varied firms on different digitalization stages. These factors are identified, prioritized, and modelled using critical literature review, experts' opinions, Fuzzy-Analytical Hierarchy Process (F-AHP), and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL). The results show that “technology infrastructure, and digital solutions,” “top management commitment,” and “governmental norms” are found to be the top contributing factors influencing sustainable logistics 4.0 implementation. The research findings aid policymakers in conceptualizing and ascertaining the implementation and operationalization roadmap for sustainable logistics 4.0. Particularly, the study provides guidelines for logistics professionals to enhance performance while advancing digital interventions in a sustainable supply chain.