230 HỘI THẢO KHOA HỌC QUỐC GIA VỀ LOGISTICS & QUẢN LÝ CHUỖI CUNG ỨNG VIỆT NAM LẦN THỨ 4 (CLSCM-2024) THEMATIC ANALYSIS OF GREEN SUPPLY CHAIN TRENDS: GLOBAL PRACTICES AND IMPLICATIONS FOR VIETNAM PHÂN TÍCH CHỦ ĐỀ VỀ XU HƯỚNG CHUỖI CUNG ỨNG XANH: THỰC TIỄN TOÀN CẦU VÀ NHỮNG HÀM Ý CHO VIỆT NAM NGUYỄN THÁI HÀ*, PHẠM THANH XUÂN, NGÔ ĐẶNG TƯỜNG VY, NGUYỄN KHÁNH NGÂN, AUNG KYAW OO Viện Quản lý Nam Khuê (SouthStar Management Institute - SMI), Trường Đại học Duy Tân *Email:
[email protected] Abstract This paper presents a thematic analysis of global trends in Green Supply Chain (GSC) practices, drawing on the 75 Green Supply Chain Partners 2024 list and an extensive literature review from ScienceDirect and Web of Science databases. The study categorizes GSC practices into five key clusters: Fleet Modernization and Fuel Efficiency, Emissions Reduction and Carbon Management, Sustainable Logistics and Operations, Technology and Innovation, and Collaboration and Certification. It highlights the growing emphasis on emissions reduction and carbon management, with many companies investing in renewable energy and alternative fuel vehicles. The study also explores the potential for adapting these practices within Vietnam's economic and regulatory context, offering strategic recommendations for businesses and policymakers. The findings aim to provide insights into the current state of GSC and support Vietnam's shift toward more sustainable supply chain practices. Keywords: Green Supply Chain, 75 Green Supply Chain Partners, Thematic Analysis, Emissions Reduction, Sustainable Logistics. Tóm tắt Bài báo này trình bày một phân tích chủ đề về các xu hướng toàn cầu trong việc thực hành Chuỗi Cung Ứng Xanh (GSC), dựa trên danh sách 75 Đối tác chuỗi cung ứng xanh năm 2024 và một tổng quan tài liệu từ các cơ sở dữ liệu ScienceDirect và Web of Science. Nghiên cứu phân loại các xu hướng thực hành GSC thành năm nhóm chính: Hiện đại hóa đội xe và hiệu quả nhiên liệu, giảm phát thải và quản lý Carbon, logistics và hoạt động bền vững, công nghệ và đổi mới trong logistics, và hợp tác- chứng nhận logistics. Nghiên cứu nhấn mạnh sự quan tâm ngày càng tăng đối với việc giảm phát thải và quản lý carbon đối với nhiều công ty đầu tư vào năng lượng tái tạo và phương tiện sử dụng nhiên liệu thay thế. Bài báo cũng khám phá khả năng áp dụng các thực tiễn này trong bối cảnh kinh tế và quy định của Việt Nam, đưa ra các khuyến nghị chiến lược cho doanh nghiệp và các nhà hoạch định chính sách. Kết quả nghiên cứu nhằm cung cấp những hiểu biết về tình trạng hiện tại của GSC và hỗ trợ Việt Nam chuyển đổi sang các xu hướng chuỗi cung ứng bền vững hơn. Từ khóa: Chuỗi cung ứng xanh, 75 Đối Tác Chuỗi cung ứng xanh, Phân tích chủ đề, giảm phát thải, Logistics bền vững. 1. Introduction Green Supply Chain (GSC) aims to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability through strategies like renewable energy use, efficient waste management, and responsible sourcing. The growing emphasis on environmental stewardship has driven companies worldwide to adopt green practices, as highlighted in the 75 Green Supply Chain Partners list [1]. The Law on Environmental Protection 2020 introduced new requirements for waste classification at the source, the development of a carbon market, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, promoting the adoption of green supply chain (GSC) strategies in businesses. Additionally, Decree 06/2022/ND-CP outlines specific regulations on emission reduction, ozone layer protection, and the development of the carbon market, motivating companies to adopt green technologies to comply with regulations and achieve sustainable development. Vietnam ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest levels of plastic waste mismanagement, with over 1.8 million tons of plastic waste generated annually [2]. Additionally, Vietnam’s carbon emissions doubled from 103 million
231 HỘI THẢO KHOA HỌC QUỐC GIA VỀ LOGISTICS & QUẢN LÝ CHUỖI CUNG ỨNG VIỆT NAM LẦN THỨ 4 (CLSCM-2024) tons in 2000 to 246 million tons in 2020, placing it among the highest emitters in the region [3]. Rapid industrialization and urbanization have led to severe air and water pollution, necessitating immediate action to mitigate environmental harm (World Bank, 2021). Implementing GSC practices will be critical to meeting the government's carbon reduction goals under the Paris Agreement. This study seeks to examine global GSC trends and their implications for Vietnam by addressing three key research questions: 1. What are the prevalent green supply chain practices adopted by leading global companies? 2. How can these practices be adapted and implemented in Vietnam's economic and regulatory context? 3. What challenges and opportunities exist for Vietnamese companies in adopting GSC practices? By exploring these questions, the study aims to provide insights into the current state of GSC, identify best practices, and offer strategic recommendations for Vietnamese businesses and policymakers. The study's findings will contribute to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable supply chain management and support the transition towards greener business operations in Vietnam. 2. Literature Review 2.1. Theoretical Framework This study applies existing theories, specifically Resource-Based View (RBV) and Stakeholder Theory, to Vietnam's context. Under RBV, research in Vietnam has demonstrated that effective resource management, particularly of green technologies and energy- efficient processes, directly improves firm performance [2]. Moreover, Stakeholder Theory highlights how key stakeholders, including international customers and government regulations, drive Vietnamese firms to adopt greener practices to maintain competitiveness in global markets [3]. By focusing on these frameworks, this study strengthens their relevance in the specific economic and regulatory conditions of Vietnam. 2.2. Green Supply Chain Green Supply Chain (GSC) is a framework in logistics and supply chain management, focusing on reducing environmental impacts through eco-friendly practices. GSC integrates environmental considerations at every stage, from sourcing raw materials to product delivery and waste management. Santos et al. (2024) define GSC as a system aimed at decarbonizing traditional supply chains by implementing sustainable practices across all processes [4]. GSC involves reducing carbon footprints, optimizing transportation, and using eco- friendly vehicles [5], while Reverse Logistics and Green Supply Chain in Terms of Sustainability (2024) includes reverse logistics as a key component, focusing on recycling and waste management. Jarašūnienė and Išoraitė (2024) discuss the practical aspects of GSC, such as sustainable transportation, packaging, and distribution [5]. They stress the need for eco-friendly practices to minimize the environmental footprint of supply chain activities. GSC aims to integrate environmental principles into supply chain processes, reducing carbon emissions and optimizing efficiency. The adoption of GSC practices not only benefits the environment but also enhances operational efficiency and reduces costs, making it a vital approach for modern supply chain management. 2.3. 75 Green Supply Chain Partners The 75 Green Supply Chain Partners list is an annual recognition program curated by Inbound Logistics editors [1]. It honors companies that excel in implementing sustainable and environmentally friendly supply chain practices. These companies are selected based on their dedication to green initiatives and their efforts to develop and adopt best practices that positively impact the global supply chain's sustainability. The program emphasizes several key criteria for selection, including the adoption of green technologies, improvements in sustainable logistics processes, commitment to environmental protection initiatives, and compliance with international certifications. Companies recognized in this list have demonstrated significant efforts in reducing the environmental impact of their global supply chains, enhancing competitiveness, and fostering innovation. This recognition not only highlights individual company achievements but also promotes broader sustainable standards within the supply chain industry. Furthermore, the 75 Green Supply Chain Partners list is acknowledged by various industry organizations and experts, including Inbound Logistics, the SmartWay program by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and ISO certification bodies. In Vietnam, Unilever Vietnam has implemented circular economy principles by using recycled
232 HỘI THẢO KHOA HỌC QUỐC GIA VỀ LOGISTICS & QUẢN LÝ CHUỖI CUNG ỨNG VIỆT NAM LẦN THỨ 4 (CLSCM-2024) packaging materials and reducing plastic waste [6]. Additionally, Heineken Vietnam has achieved 100% renewable energy usage in its breweries, significantly reducing its carbon footprint [7]. These examples, along with government reports and academic studies from Vietnamese institutions, will provide a more comprehensive view of GSC adoption in Vietnam, increasing the article’s relevance to local readers [8]. This acknowledgment highlights the companies' commitment to sustainability, setting a high standard that encourages others to follow and promotes global innovation in supply chain management. 3. Methodology 3.1. Research Design This study employs a qualitative research design, specifically utilizing thematic analysis to explore global green supply chain practices. The research is based on data collected from the list of 75 Green Supply Chain Partners, combined with a review of relevant literature available on ScienceDirect and Web of Science (WOS) databases [1]. Feasibility and Measurable Indicators: Assessing the feasibility of GSC strategies in Vietnam requires the use of measurable indicators such as carbon emission reduction, energy efficiency improvement, and green technology adoption rate. The introduction of a carbon tax in Vietnam could potentially reduce emissions by 1.3-2.8% below target levels by 2030, though it may result in a GDP loss of 1.2-2.7% [9]. Additionally, the implementation of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects has been assessed using 36 sustainability indicators, focusing on economic efficiency and pollution reduction [10]. Investments in renewable energy, including the transition from coal to solar and wind energy, are crucial for increasing the adoption rate of green technologies in Vietnam [8]. The objective is to identify and analyze the main themes and sub-themes in global green supply chain practices, drawing managerial and practical implications for Vietnam. 3.2. Data Collection The primary data sources for this study include the list of 75 Green Supply Chain Partners and the databases ScienceDirect and WOS [1]. The 75 Green Supply Chain Partners list provides a curated selection of companies and organizations recognized for their sustainable supply chain practices. Data collection from ScienceDirect and WOS involved identifying peer-reviewed articles, reviews, and case studies that offer insights into green supply chain practices. Keywords such as "green supply chain," "sustainability," "carbon management," "alternative fuel vehicles," and "renewable energy" were used to ensure comprehensive coverage of relevant literature. The 75 Green Supply Chain Partners list includes both quantitative and qualitative sustainability metrics, focusing on areas such as natural resource management, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and energy efficiency [11]. Furthermore, the companies listed have demonstrated excellence in GSC implementation, making the data suitable for comparative analysis of sustainability practices. Integrating advanced technologies like Industry 4.0 enhances the evaluation process, supporting dynamic assessments of environmental and economic impacts [12]. This comprehensive dataset helps researchers assess the adaptability and transferability of GSC practices across different industries and regions [13]. 3.3. Data Analysis The research uses thematic analysis as the main method for analyzing data. This method involves systematically categorizing and analyzing data collected from various sources, including a list of 75 Green Supply Chain (GSC) partners and documents from databases like ScienceDirect and Web of Science [1]. The thematic analysis process follows six specific steps: (1) Familiarizing with the data - researchers thoroughly examine and understand the content of the data, (2) Generating initial codes - identifying key elements in the data, (3) Searching for themes - organizing the codes into potential themes. (4) Reviewing themes - refining and validating the identified themes. (5) Defining and naming themes - clearly defining each theme. (6) Producing the final report - synthesizing the analysis and results into a unified report. Step 6 is further divided into: - 6.1: Comparison with actual data in Vietnam: The themes identified from secondary data are compared with practices at companies like Unilever, Heineken, and Samsung Vietnam to ensure alignment with the local context. - 6.2: Comparison with global situations: A comparative analysis is conducted between GSC practices in Vietnam and other countries such as the U.S. and the EU to identify differences and similarities. - 6.3: Providing specific recommendations: Based
233 HỘI THẢO KHOA HỌC QUỐC GIA VỀ LOGISTICS & QUẢN LÝ CHUỖI CUNG ỨNG VIỆT NAM LẦN THỨ 4 (CLSCM-2024) on these comparisons, the research proposes recommendations regarding policies, investment, and business support in Vietnam. Cluster 1: Fleet Modernization and Fuel Efficiency - Sub-Cluster 1.1: Alternative Fuel Vehicles - Sub-Cluster 1.2: Aerodynamic and Weight Reduction - Sub-Cluster 1.3: Fleet Management Systems Cluster 2: Emissions Reduction and Carbon Management - Sub-Cluster 2.1: Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Initiatives - Sub-Cluster 2.2: Renewable Energy Utilization - Sub-Cluster 2.3: Emissions Monitoring and Reporting Cluster 3: Sustainable Logistics and Operations - Sub-Cluster 3.1: Energy-Efficient Warehousing - Sub-Cluster 3.2: Waste Management and Recycling - Sub-Cluster 3.3: Sustainable Packaging and Materials Cluster 4: Technology and Innovation - Sub-Cluster 4.1: Telematics and Fleet Tracking - Sub-Cluster 4.2: AI and Automation - Sub-Cluster 4.3: Research and Development in Sustainable Technologies Cluster 5: Collaboration and Ceẻtificationn - Sub-Cluster 5.1: Partnerships and Alliances - Sub-Cluster 5.2: Sustainability Certifications This thematic analysis groups global GSC practices and offers detailed insights into their relevance to the Vietnamese context, analyzing the challenges and opportunities related to the application of these practices in Vietnam’s economy. The research confirms that the data used in the thematic analysis comes from secondary sources such as existing documents and reputable databases, ensuring that the research builds on previous studies. Although the research does not introduce new primary data, it synthesizes information from various prior studies, focusing on practical applications for the development of the green supply chain in Vietnam. 4. Analysis 4.1. Fleet Modernization and Fuel Efficiency 4.1.1. Alternative Fuel Vehicles The Use of Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Equipment such as Electric, Hydrogen, and Biofuel Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs), such as electric vehicles (EVs), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and biofuels, are reducing carbon emissions and Figure 1. The process of thematic analysis
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