Advances and barriers in promoting green logistics 4.0 from a multi-stakeholder perspective–a systematic review

Abstract

As industries transition toward sustainability, Green Logistics (GL) has become a key driver for reducing the environmental impact of supply chain operations. This study conducts a systematic review from a multi-stakeholder perspective, exploring how Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies transform GL by enhancing efficiency, performance, and environmental responsibility. It examines GL’s technological advancements and techniques within the I4.0 era while identifying key barriers, including financial constraints, regulatory challenges, and resistance from primary and secondary stakeholders, that hinder widespread adoption. Our findings highlight that I4.0-driven innovations, such as IoT, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and automation, reshape logistics practices, offering new pathways for greener and more efficient supply chains. However, these advancements come with trade-offs, requiring careful evaluation of technological uncertainties, adoption costs, and evolving regulatory landscapes. Additionally, this study categorizes the tech and components that contribute to the promotion of GL, offering a structured understanding of how digital transformation interacts with sustainability goals. Ultimately, GL 4.0 presents both opportunities and challenges, demanding collaborative efforts across industries, policymakers, and communities to unlock its full potential. This review hopes to contribute to the growing discourse on digital transformation in green logistics, offering insights to guide firms and decision-makers in accelerating the shift toward more sustainable supply chains.