A professor at Aston University has co-authored a new book on sustainable supply chain operations and the circular economy for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Dr Prasanta Kumar Dey, a professor of operations management at Aston Business School, collaborated with Dr Soumyadeb Chowdhury of Toulouse Business School and Dr Chrisovalantis Malesios from the Agricultural University of Athens to write Supply Chain Sustainability in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises.

The book delves into the sustainability challenges faced by SMEs across both developed and emerging economies.

Drawing on contributions from experts and real-world case studies, the book examines sustainable supply chain practices in countries such as Thailand, Bangladesh, France, Spain, Austria, and Greece. It provides practical guidance for researchers and industry professionals, exploring the balance between economic, environmental, and social aspects of sustainability. The authors highlight key success factors and offer insights into the current state of sustainable practices across various industries.

The book also addresses the decarbonisation journey of SMEs, from conceptualisation to the implementation of energy efficiency measures. By sharing these experiences, the authors aim to standardise the process of decarbonisation and support businesses in conducting cost-benefit analyses for sustainability initiatives.

Professor Dey emphasised the importance of SMEs in the global economy, stating: “Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of economies worldwide. Through this book, we aim to provide a comprehensive roadmap for SMEs to achieve sustainable supply chains, balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship and social responsibility.”

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He added that the case studies included in the book make it easier for businesses to select effective strategies for decarbonisation across facilities, operational processes, and logistics. The book also offers a reporting template for communicating energy audit outcomes and developing implementation plans for sustainability measures.

The authors suggest that using a carbon footprint tool and business modelling techniques from the book can help SMEs identify energy-efficient strategies that reduce emissions while enhancing economic, environmental, and social performance.