Approaches to Supply Chain Risk Management from LCA Studies

Abstract

Against the backdrop of increasing globalization and complexity of supply chains, as well as supply chain disruptions triggered by the recent natural disasters, supply chain risk management (SCRM) has become increasingly significant, and scientific contributions including LCA studies to SCRM are expected. In this article, we review studies associated with supply chain risks in which LCA researchers played central roles: i.e., a series of studies that aim to integrate geopolitical-related supply risk within the life cycle sustainability assessment framework; quantification of supply risks of metal resources based on a multiregional input–output model; and vulnerability assessment of supply chains using the life cycle inventory database. We then examine the scientific contributions and limitations of those studies and discuss the future development of the approaches to SCRM.