Sustainable Supply Chain Management in Southeast Asian Manufacturing: Practices, Barriers, and Opportunities

Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) is increasingly vital for aligning manufacturing with global sustainability goals, yet its adoption in Southeast Asia’s dynamic manufacturing sector remains underexplored. This study examines SSCM practices in three ASEAN countries—Vietnam (electronics), Thailand (textiles), and Malaysia (automotive)—using a qualitative case study approach. Drawing on interviews with supply chain managers and secondary data, the research identifies key practices, including green logistics, circular economy principles, and renewable energy integration, alongside barriers such as high costs, regulatory fragmentation, and global supply chain disruptions. Opportunities include regional collaboration, rising consumer demand for sustainable products, and digital technologies like blockchain. The findings highlight industry-specific and regional nuances, contributing to the SSCM literature by addressing a gap in ASEAN-focused research. The study offers practical implications for firms to adopt cost-effective sustainability practices and for policymakers to harmonize regional regulations, supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 8, 12, and 13). By providing a Southeast Asian perspective, this research advances the global discourse on sustainable industrial growth in emerging economies.