**5. Augmenting sustainability efforts through technology**

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) presents great opportunities to revolutionise supply chains, changing how products and services are designed, produced, distributed, and disposed [19]. Broadly, integration of 4IR and sustainability goals has potential to improve chances of attaining positive environmental and ecological outcomes [20]. Despite this, challenges in the adoption and implementation of 4IR initiatives for sustainable supply chains range from organisational, technological, strategic, ethical and legal issues. These are especially true for the developing world. Faced with these challenges, the following technologies are potential gamechangers. By far the greatest benefits are improved visibility, flexibility, security, and integration over a complex web of different supply chains, with sustainability as the likely outcome.

#### **5.1 Machine learning**

Inventory and warehousing are some of the main contributors to inefficiencies in the supply chain. Overstocking is a common practice across warehouses around the world. The main reason behind this is the limited information available to decision makers regarding how external factors can impact their operations.

Machine learning provides solutions in the form of inventory control towers that enables recommendations based on data previously gathered. The algorithms created can identify the impact of external and internal factors on inventory cycles upstream and downstream [21]. Also, it allows prediction of potential imbalances in supply chain networks providing reaction time to redistribute goods in a more efficient manner. The result of this is improved energy efficiency and reduced greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions.

#### **5.2 Blockchain and internet of things (IoT)**

Supply chain sustainability risk (SCSR) is prevalent because buying firms possess little information about their suppliers and their operations [22]. New technologies like Blockchain and IoT devices are providing a path for companies to solve issues related to visibility (provenance, fraud, and democratisation of data). It is important to mention that lack of visibility can create inefficiencies within supply chains directly impacting on the sustainability of company operations. IoT leads to improved profitability through in-built supply chain flexibility, optimised shipments and reduction of excess production [23].

IoT devices can be defined as the latest generation sensors that have the capabilities to track, collect and transmit multiple parameters like geo-positioning, temperature, pressure, gas concentration among others in real time. Having access to this data in real time allows supply chain practices not only to take better decisions, but also have a better data for future analysis. IoTs have been successfully used to define the provenance of sensitive goods allowing customers to take better decisions on their sustainable journeys.

Blockchain is defined as a "public ledger in which each node in the blockchain network stores the same ledger" [24]. The adoption of Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT), like Blockchain, in supply chain management is advancing rapidly in top tier companies. Blockchain is providing a foundation to reduce silos across the supply chain flows (physical, financial and informational) as it allows for integration of multiple legacy platforms with new solutions like IoTs. One of the most important

characteristics of DLTs, which is also very attractive to the business community, is the immutability of the data recorded [25]. This feature provides companies and customers with a level playing field, resulting from distribution of power [26], where concepts like greenwashing are not relevant anymore due to visibility and the provenance provided. Furthermore, DLTs provide a chance for brands to involve customers in their validation frameworks due to the decentralised nature of these solutions.
