A Conceptual Model For Sustainable And Resilient Palm Oil Supply Chains: Integrating Digital Innovations, Circular Economy, And Policy Alignment

Author(s):

  • Cristian Rincon-Guio (Facultad de Ingenieria Industrial, Universidad Antonio Narino - UAN, Colombia)
  • Mariana de L. Cantos-Figueroa (Facultad de Ciencias Economicas, Universidad Estatal del Sur de Manabi, Jipijapa, Manabi, Ecuador)
  • Luz T. Y. Canarte-Quimis (Facultad de Ciencias Economicas, Universidad Estatal del Sur de Manabi, Jipijapa, Manabi, Ecuador)
  • Julieta Hernandez-Ramirez (Tecnologico Nacional de Mexico / Instituto Tecnologico Superior de Escarcega, Mexico)
  • Nancy Saray (Facultad de Ingenieria Industrial, Universidad Antonio Narino - UAN, Colombia)
  • Astrith Rincon-Sanchez (Facultad de Ciencias Economicas y Administrativas, Universidad Antonio Narino - UAN -, Colombia)
  • Víctor Manuel Martinez-García (Universidad Autonoma de Sinaloa, Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico)
  • Diana Concepcion Mex Alvarez (Universidad Autonoma de Campeche, Mexico)
  • Daniel Ricardo Delgado (Facultad de Ingenierias, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia - UCC -, Colombia)
  • Nathalia Chaparro-Hernandez (Escuela de Optimizacion, Infraestructura y Automatizacion, Institucion Universitaria Politecnico Grancolombiano, Colombia)

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Abstract:
The global palm oil industry faces mounting pressure to balance economic growth with environmental protection and social equity. This study addresses the critical need for sustainable and resilient supply chain management (SCM) strategies in response to deforestation concerns, regulatory pressures, and stakeholder demands. The purpose is to develop an integrative conceptual framework that unites sustainability imperatives, digital transformations, and multi-stakeholder engagement in palm oil SCM. Through a systematic literature review of 46 peer-reviewed articles from Scopus and Web of Science, complemented by bibliometric analysis, this research consolidates existing knowledge on SCM practices, emergent technologies, and policy instruments. Findings indicate that integrating blockchain, machine learning, and circular economy principles significantly enhances traceability, resource efficiency, and compliance with sustainability certifications such as RSPO and NDPE. However, persistent barriers including high implementation costs, limited infrastructure, and smallholder exclusion hinder large-scale adoption. The proposed framework emphasizes the interdependence of regulatory frameworks, technological enablers, circular economy strategies, and policy alignment. Critical research gaps identified include the need for longitudinal analyses of certification impacts, comparative studies beyond Southeast Asia, and deeper investigations into social sustainability. This study provides actionable guidelines for industry practitioners and policymakers to foster a more sustainable, transparent, and resilient palm oil industry

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