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Packed product paradoxes in global supply chains: the case of South African table grapes sold in Europe

Pålsson, Henrik LU and Sandberg, Erik (2019) p.482-482
Abstract
Purpose of this paper
Current literature on packaging logistics acknowledges trade-offs in supply chains for packed products, but it is less effective in explaining the different characteristics of various trade-offs and the complexity of managing these trade-offs. Grounded in paradox theory, the purpose of this paper is to increase the understanding of the role of packaging (systems) in sustainable global food supply chains. To do so, the paper aims to identify and analyse packaging-related paradoxes in global food supply chains.
Design/methodology/approach
A single case study of four companies in a global food supply chain of table grapes from South Africa to Europe was conducted. The data were collected through interviews,... (More)
Purpose of this paper
Current literature on packaging logistics acknowledges trade-offs in supply chains for packed products, but it is less effective in explaining the different characteristics of various trade-offs and the complexity of managing these trade-offs. Grounded in paradox theory, the purpose of this paper is to increase the understanding of the role of packaging (systems) in sustainable global food supply chains. To do so, the paper aims to identify and analyse packaging-related paradoxes in global food supply chains.
Design/methodology/approach
A single case study of four companies in a global food supply chain of table grapes from South Africa to Europe was conducted. The data were collected through interviews, observations and archival data. The analysis was supported by a conceptual framework based on paradox theory with four categories of paradoxes.
Findings
The paper identifies and analyses organisational paradoxes related to the fulfilment of product and packaging requirements throughout the supply chain. The paper describes how the four categories of paradoxes have impacts on logistics efficiency (lead-time and costs), amount of food waste and packaging material efficiency (material recycling, material selection and sufficient amount of packaging material) in the supply chain.
Value
The application of paradox theory to empirical data of packed products deepens the understanding of the eco-efficient performance of global food supply chains.
Research limitations/implications
The four categories of paradoxes and their impacts on packaging for sustainable supply chains extend current knowledge about trade-offs in supply chains for packed products. This provides input to understanding the complexity of managing paradoxes. A limitation is that the case study does not cover the companies in the final stages of the supply chain (i.e. retailers and consumers). Another limitation is that the single case study focuses on one packed product. Future cases should complement with other products.
Practical implications
The findings provide awareness of packaging paradoxes in global food supply chains, which is a first step in managing the paradoxes. The findings also highlight the need for companies to be transparent and use a system perspective on packaging selection and development in order to obtain sustainable global food supply chains. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
and
organization
publishing date
type
Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding
publication status
published
subject
host publication
Proceedings of International Symposium of Logistics (ISL 2019) : Supply Chain Networks vs Platforms: Innovations, Challenges and Opportunities - Supply Chain Networks vs Platforms: Innovations, Challenges and Opportunities
pages
488 pages
publisher
Nottingham University Business School
ISBN
9780853583295
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
686f89f1-15dd-4dd4-83b8-f32bdec8e5e3
date added to LUP
2022-04-06 09:45:39
date last changed
2022-04-14 08:56:04
@inproceedings{686f89f1-15dd-4dd4-83b8-f32bdec8e5e3,
  abstract     = {{Purpose of this paper<br/>Current literature on packaging logistics acknowledges trade-offs in supply chains for packed products, but it is less effective in explaining the different characteristics of various trade-offs and the complexity of managing these trade-offs. Grounded in paradox theory, the purpose of this paper is to increase the understanding of the role of packaging (systems) in sustainable global food supply chains. To do so, the paper aims to identify and analyse packaging-related paradoxes in global food supply chains.<br/>Design/methodology/approach<br/>A single case study of four companies in a global food supply chain of table grapes from South Africa to Europe was conducted. The data were collected through interviews, observations and archival data. The analysis was supported by a conceptual framework based on paradox theory with four categories of paradoxes.<br/>Findings<br/>The paper identifies and analyses organisational paradoxes related to the fulfilment of product and packaging requirements throughout the supply chain. The paper describes how the four categories of paradoxes have impacts on logistics efficiency (lead-time and costs), amount of food waste and packaging material efficiency (material recycling, material selection and sufficient amount of packaging material) in the supply chain.<br/>Value<br/>The application of paradox theory to empirical data of packed products deepens the understanding of the eco-efficient performance of global food supply chains.<br/>Research limitations/implications<br/>The four categories of paradoxes and their impacts on packaging for sustainable supply chains extend current knowledge about trade-offs in supply chains for packed products. This provides input to understanding the complexity of managing paradoxes. A limitation is that the case study does not cover the companies in the final stages of the supply chain (i.e. retailers and consumers). Another limitation is that the single case study focuses on one packed product. Future cases should complement with other products.<br/>Practical implications<br/>The findings provide awareness of packaging paradoxes in global food supply chains, which is a first step in managing the paradoxes. The findings also highlight the need for companies to be transparent and use a system perspective on packaging selection and development in order to obtain sustainable global food supply chains.}},
  author       = {{Pålsson, Henrik and Sandberg, Erik}},
  booktitle    = {{Proceedings of International Symposium of Logistics (ISL 2019) : Supply Chain Networks vs Platforms: Innovations, Challenges and Opportunities}},
  isbn         = {{9780853583295}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  pages        = {{482--482}},
  publisher    = {{Nottingham University Business School}},
  title        = {{Packed product paradoxes in global supply chains: the case of South African table grapes sold in Europe}},
  year         = {{2019}},
}