Leveraging Industry 5.0 technologies to achieve net zero and nature positive sustainable supply chains

Abstract

The loss of biodiversity, climate change, and disparities in human development are all interrelated challenges that the world is currently dealing with. In response, interest in applying Industry 5.0 technologies to supply chain operations has grown significantly, driven by the urgent need to combat biodiversity loss, climate change, achieve net-zero emissions as well as nature positive goals. However, although net-zero strategies have been widely explored, the potential of Industry 5.0 technologies to support nature-positive practices in sustainable supply chains remains largely overlooked—revealing an important gap that this study seeks to fill. The goal of this research is to fully understand how nature-positive practices and Industry 5.0 technologies impact the effectiveness of net-zero, nature-positive, sustainable supply chains. The study uses 42 scientific papers that have been thematically analyzed and categorized by potentials related to Industry 5.0 in the context of net-zero nature positive sustainable supply chain performance in order to do this. The conclusions of the study emphasize how Industry 5.0 technology and nature-positive practices can help create sustainable supply chains that are net-zero and nature-positive. Furthermore, the study also highlights the strategic value of Industry 5.0 in net-zero, nature-positive sustainable supply chains, emphasizing sustainability, human-centricity, and resilience. To assist enterprises in strategically utilizing Industry 5.0 technology and nature-positive practices for sustainable supply chain performance, a conceptual framework has been brought forward. In practical terms, the paper provides policymakers and supply chain managers with insightful information about the advantages and disadvantages of implementing Industry 5.0 technology and nature-positive practices for sustainable objectives. Businesses and society can benefit from the creation of new business models that prioritize sustainability and help create a more just and sustainable economy by combining Industry 5.0 technologies with nature-positive actions.