This study aims to analyze the optimization strategies for supply
chain management in trading companies in response to the changing
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) business environment.
As regulations related to sustainable development...
This study aims to analyze the optimization strategies for supply
chain management in trading companies in response to the changing
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) business environment.
As regulations related to sustainable development are rapidly being
refined and compliance requirements for cross-border trade are
becoming increasingly stringent, the scope of supply chain
management in trading companies is gradually expanding. In
particular, with the spread of non-financial information disclosure
systems, supply chain management can no longer remain limited to
traditional indicators such as purchase price, delivery efficiency, and
inventory turnover. The concept of ESG incorporates factors such as
environmental impact, labor rights, supplier responsibility, business
ethics, and information transparency into supply chain management.
These factors influence trading companies' purchasing decisions,
logistics operations, supplier management, and risk control methods.
This study employs a combination of literature review, normative
analysis, and multiple case study methods. Through a systematic
review of domestic and international prior research on ESG,
sustainable supply chain management, supply chain governance, and
ESG-based supply chain management, the study establishes its
theoretical foundation. Normative analysis is used to examine the
impact of external ESG pressures on the decision-making processes
of trading companies' supply chains. Additionally, multiple case
studies are conducted to compare and analyze the ESG supply chain
management practices of representative companies, including
Walmart, Apple, Amazon, and Cainiao.
The findings of this study can be summarized as follows. First,
ESG is gradually emerging as a key decision-making criterion in
trading companies' supply chain management. From the
environmental (E) perspective, key factors include suppliers'
environmental management levels, product carbon footprints, green
procurement, low-carbon logistics, and packaging reduction. From
the social (S) perspective, labor rights protection, occupational
safety, customer rights protection, and supply chain human rights
risk management are closely linked to corporate competitiveness.
From the governance (G) perspective, supplier evaluation, contract
management, data disclosure, internal controls, and risk management
systems have been identified as important components of supply
chain operations. Second, ESG-based supply chain optimization in
trading companies should be pursued with a focus on supplier
management and logistics operations. In upstream supply chains,
important management tools include establishing supplier ESG
evaluation systems, implementing supplier tiered management, and
introducing ESG contractual clauses. In downstream supply chains,
green logistics, warehouse energy reduction, eco-friendly packaging,
and digital tracking systems can simultaneously enhance supply
chain efficiency and sustainability.
Third, effective operation of ESG supply chain management
requires the establishment of both a performance evaluation system
and a risk management mechanism. This study proposes an ESG
supply chain performance evaluation system consisting of four
dimensions: environment, society, governance, and operational
performance. It also presents a systematic approach to identifying,
classifying, and managing supply chain risks using a supplier ESG
evaluation model and risk matrix. Fourth, the case study analysis
reveals that the core of ESG supply chain management lies in
collaboration among supply chain participants and the establishment
of data-driven governance. Walmart pursued value chain reduction
strategies through supplier collaboration; Apple established supplier
clean energy management and code of conduct systems; Amazon
optimized low-carbon logistics and delivery networks; and Cainiao
built a green logistics collaboration system based on a digital
platform.
Based on these findings, this study proposes a circular ESG
management framework for supply chains consisting of "goal setting–
risk identification–strategy implementation–performance feedback."
Specific implementation measures include supplier classification
management, improvement of procurement contract clauses,
establishment of a lightweight data system, promotion of eco-friendly
logistics and packaging reduction, annual inspections, and
continuous improvement. Trading companies need to implement ESG
supply chain management in stages, taking into account their
business scale, product types, customer structure, and the regulatory
environment of their target markets. This study is expected to
contribute to strengthening supply chain resilience, mitigating
compliance risks, and securing sustainable competitiveness for
trading companies.