Abstract
Background: Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) has emerged as a critical focus for the global beverage industry, particularly in emerging markets like South Africa. The industry faces significant environmental challenges, including water scarcity, packaging waste, and carbon emissions, while operating within resource-constrained environments and complex stakeholder dynamics.
Objective: This study systematically reviews and analyses the challenges, opportunities, and implementation barriers of SSCM in the South African beverage industry. It aims to identify key sustainability issues, evaluate current practices, and develop evidence-based recommendations for industry practitioners and policymakers.
Methodology: A systematic literature review was conducted following Denyer and Tranfield's approach, analysing 15 peer-reviewed articles published between 2019 and 2024. Data was extracted from the Scopus database using predetermined search strings and inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis was performed using Atlas. ti software to identify recurring patterns and emerging themes.
Results: The analysis reveals three key findings: (1) technological infrastructure limitations and resource constraints significantly impede SSCM implementation in South Africa; (2) successful SSCM practices require careful balance between global standards and local conditions; and (3) integration of indigenous knowledge systems with modern sustainability practices offers unique opportunities for enhanced implementation. The geographical distribution analysis shows research concentration in developed nations, with limited contributions from African countries, while temporal analysis indicates increasing scholarly interest, particularly in digital transformation and resilience strategies.
Conclusion: The study demonstrates that effective SSCM implementation in the South African beverage industry requires a phased approach that considers local conditions, resource availability, and cultural factors. While global best practices provide valuable frameworks, their adaptation must account for unique local challenges and opportunities.