Journal of Optimization and Supply Chain Management

Journal of Optimization and Supply Chain Management

Carbon-Constrained Inventory Management: A Systematic Review and Roadmap for Ecological Footprint Integration

Document Type : Review Paper

Authors
Department of Statistics, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, India
Abstract
Objective: This study systematically reviews the evolution of carbon-constrained inventory management and evaluates the extent to which ecological footprint (EF) concepts have been integrated into inventory optimization. It identifies methodological limitations, research gaps, and future directions for transitioning from carbon-based models to comprehensive EF-aware inventory systems.
Methods: A PRISMA 2020-compliant systematic review was conducted on 70 peer-reviewed studies published between 1963 and 2026, selected from 4,295 initial records. The literature was synthesized using an 18-class, 33-subclass classification framework and organized into five thematic clusters. A six-criterion quality assessment, complete PRISMA documentation, and an audit of eight ecological footprint coefficient categories were undertaken to evaluate methodological rigor and data readiness.
Results: The review shows that only 15% of deteriorating inventory studies published since 2018 incorporate environmental considerations, while all environmental models rely exclusively on CO₂ emissions as the sustainability metric. Three critical ecological footprint data gaps are identified, and a four-level Green Inventory Decision Framework (GIDF) is proposed to integrate multi-biome ecological accounting into inventory decision-making. Eight research gaps and six prioritized future research directions are also established.
Conclusion: Current green inventory models substantially underestimate environmental impacts by focusing solely on carbon emissions. Integrating comprehensive ecological footprint metrics through the proposed GIDF offers a structured pathway toward more robust, data-driven, and environmentally sustainable inventory management
Keywords
Subjects

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