The role of green supply chain management to achieving the United Nations sustainable development goals: a meta-analysis approach

Integrating green supply chain management (GSCM) with global sustainability initiatives has emerged as a critical area of research due to escalating environmental challenges and the need for sustainable industrial practices. However, empirical synthesis on the effectiveness of GSCM in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains limited. This study aims to fill this gap by conducting a comprehensive meta-analysis of 37 peer-reviewed articles to evaluate the role of GSCM practices in advancing key SDGs, including responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13), and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17). Using JASP software and the Hunter-Schmidt method, the study provides robust quantitative evidence that GSCM practices—particularly green procurement, waste minimization, and resource efficiency—positively and significantly contribute to environmental sustainability, economic performance (SDG 8), and stakeholder collaboration. The results also reveal heterogeneity across regions and industries, underscoring the importance of contextual strategies. This study offers novel insights by systematically quantifying GSCM’s multi-dimensional impact on the SDGs and provides evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, business leaders, and sustainability advocates. The originality of this research lies in its integrative approach, combining statistical rigor with sustainability policy relevance, to demonstrate GSCM’s transformative potential in achieving global sustainability goals.