Objective: With the rapid development of fresh food e-commerce, cold chain logistics networks are confronted with multiple challenges, including large demand fluctuations, strict carbon emission constraints, and significant differences in product categories. This paper aims to investigate the robust planning problem for a multi-stage cold chain supply chain network under product differentiation and demand uncertainty. Methods: Based on product differentiation, the impacts of warehouse capacity allocation, refrigeration energy efficiency levels, and service levels on total cost and carbon emissions are quantified. A two-stage robust optimization model is constructed to minimize the comprehensive cost covering transportation, inventory, carbon emissions, and shortage penalties. The first stage solves facility location and capacity allocation, while the second stage optimizes transportation and inventory strategies under the worst-case demand scenario. Nonlinear constraints are linearized into a mixed-integer linear programming formulation, and a dedicated solution algorithm is further developed. Results: Numerical experiments are conducted to verify the validity of the proposed model. The outcomes show that the designed model and algorithm can realize effective optimization of the robust cold chain distribution network and greatly improve the solution quality. Conclusion: This research can provide reliable theoretical support and practical decision references for the layout and operation management of cold chain logistics networks considering product differentiation and low-carbon requirements.
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XU, N., Li, J. & TAN, J. (2026). Structure Design and Optimization of Cold Chain Logistics Network Based on Product Differentiation. Journal of Optimization and Supply Chain Management, 3(2), 111–135. https://doi.org/10.22034/ISS.2026.10643.1092
MLA
XU, N., Li, J., & TAN, J. "Structure Design and Optimization of Cold Chain Logistics Network Based on Product Differentiation", Journal of Optimization and Supply Chain Management, 3, 2, 2026, 111–135. doi: 10.22034/ISS.2026.10643.1092
HARVARD
XU, N., Li, J., & TAN, J. (2026). 'Structure Design and Optimization of Cold Chain Logistics Network Based on Product Differentiation', Journal of Optimization and Supply Chain Management, 3(2), pp. 111–135. doi: 10.22034/ISS.2026.10643.1092
CHICAGO
XU, N., Li, J. & TAN, J., "Structure Design and Optimization of Cold Chain Logistics Network Based on Product Differentiation." Journal of Optimization and Supply Chain Management, 3 2 (2026): 111–135, doi: 10.22034/ISS.2026.10643.1092
VANCOUVER
XU N., Li J., TAN J. Structure Design and Optimization of Cold Chain Logistics Network Based on Product Differentiation. JOSCM. 2026;3(2):111–135. doi: 10.22034/ISS.2026.10643.1092
