Pathology of Environmental Challenges in Sustainable Supply Chains

ABSTRACT: Sustainable supply chains (SSCs) have become essential for addressing global environmental concerns, yet they face numerous pathologies that undermine their effectiveness. This paper explores the pathology of environmental challenges in SSCs, examining their causes, manifestations, and impacts through a comprehensive review and original framework. Pathology, in this context, refers to the systematic dysfunctions and disorders within supply chains that exacerbate environmental degradation, such as carbon emissions, resource depletion, waste generation, and biodiversity loss. Drawing on recent literature, we identify key challenges including supply chain disruptions, regulatory inconsistencies, and operational inefficiencies. To address novelty, we propose the Pathology Analysis Model for Environmental Challenges in SSCs (PAMEC), which integrates systemic, operational, and regulatory dimensions to diagnose and mitigate these issues. The model emphasizes originality by incorporating dynamic capabilities and digital transformation as mediators for resilience. Empirical insights from sectors like logistics, construction, and food supply chains highlight the need for multi-tier collaboration and innovation. Two original tables classify common pathologies and compare existing frameworks, while two diagrams illustrate the PAMEC model and challenge flows. Findings suggest that enhancing stakeholder pressure and green innovation can improve SSC performance, with implications for policy and practice. This study contributes to industrial management by providing a diagnostic tool for achieving true sustainability, urging firms to prioritize proactive pathology management. KEYWORDS: Sustainable Supply Chains, Environmental Challenges, Pathology Analysis, Resilience, Green Innovation, Dynamic Capabilities.