A systematic review guided by standards of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Statement was employed whereby different databases including Emerald, Nature and Science Direct were consulted. PRISMA was used to uncover knowledge about CE business models practiced by industries for sustainable logistic operations, the degree of ReSOLVE model implementation in SSA and alignment of Environmental Management Act, 2004, National Environmental Management Policy (NEMP 1997), Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP 2021/22 - 2025/2026) and the Sustainable Industries Development Policy (SIDP 1996-2020) in Tanzania with the United Nations General Assembly, 2015. Five (5) mostly practiced CE business models for sustainable logistic operations were established namely big data driven supply chain management, sustainable production and consumption, crowd sourced logistics, industrial ecology and ReSOLVE framework. These business models have enabled a strategic shift towards circular approaches. Presently, Uber and Bolt operations in Tanzania was highlighted as the best example of urban transport transformation. Also, the ReSOLVE model was found to motivate adoption of renewable energy technologies, resource sharing, and virtualization of processes, although its widespread adoption in SSA is still emerging. Implementation of CE is intrinsically linked to sustainable logistic operations that showed improvements in materials distribution and enhancing reverse logistics such that it is difficult to differentiate the CE practices and sustainable logistic operations.

In addition, this study indicated varying degrees of ReSOLVE model implementation in product design, production planning and sustainable logistic operations in SSA especially Tanzania, Ghana, Uganda, Togo, Kenya and South Africa. Despite the limited adoption CE business models, industrial application of the six ReSOLVE components have been realized. For example, industrial symbiosis is exemplified by a Tanzanian sugar factory whereby wastes from one unit serves as input for another that enhanced resource efficiency and industrial sustainability. Finally, alignment of the Environmental Management Act, National Environmental Management Policy, Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP 2021/22 - 2025/2026) and the Sustainable Industries Development Policy (SIDP 1996-2020) policy instruments in Tanzania with the United Nations sustainability goals is evident. Such that all policies collectively promote polluter pays principle, CE practices, sustainable consumption and shift to renewable energy which are all aligned with the United Nations General Assembly 2015 goals mainly Goal 12.2, 12.5 and Goal 7. However, the FYDP does not explicitly mention the polluter pays principle with the assumption that the EMA and its regulations will be enforced accordingly. Hence, this study provides vital contribution to government policy making institutions in SSA about appropriate CE practices for sustainable logistic operations.

Tanzania's economy heavily relies on agriculture, with 80% of the population employed in this sector, contributing 30% to the GDP. The primary crops for rural households are maize, rice, wheat, cassava, and bananas. Sustainable supply chain management is crucial for the long-term sustainability of the agricultural industry. Recent studies have shown that implementing sustainable practices in the farming transport sector can significantly reduce environmental impact and operational expenses. For example, firms embracing sustainable supply chain management have reduced fuel consumption by 15% and decreased their carbon footprint by 20% over five years.

The study employed three theories – resource Dependency Theory, Stakeholder Theory, and Institutional Theory – to underpin sustainable supply chain management practices in the transportation sector. These theories promoted environmental conservation, efficiency, and social responsibility within the supply chain.

The research methodology involved in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with transporters in Tanzania's Kilimanjaro and Arusha regions. Qualitative data analysis was conducted using NVIVO, which allowed for the organization, coding, and exploration of audio recordings, transcripts, and other relevant documents from the interviews and discussions.

The study found that sustainability awareness in supply chain management is increasing, but transporters still need to improve their sustainable practices. Transporters utilizing renewable energies are few. Those adopting sustainable practices gain a competitive advantage because they offer lower costs. By implementing sustainable practices, transporters can reduce operating costs, offer lower prices, and gain a competitive edge. However, limited resources and cultural barriers hinder the widespread adoption of sustainable practices. Collaboration with stakeholders and government support are necessary to overcome these challenges. This collaborative approach can address these challenges and promote economic development and environmental sustainability in the agricultural supply chain. By emphasizing the role of each stakeholder in this cooperative effort, the study aims to empower and motivate the audience to take action.

The study's findings have direct and practical implications for owners/managers and policymakers. It is recommended that owners/managers embrace the use of renewable energies and SSCM initiatives as a source of competitive advantage. On the other hand, policymakers are urged to develop policies to guide transporters using cleaner energies by making them cheaper and easily accessible. These recommendations are not only feasible but also necessary for the sustainable development of the agricultural supply chain in Tanzania.

In conclusion, the study reiterates its key findings, emphasizing the crucial role of transporters in the agricultural sector in the SSCM framework. It underscores their direct impact on environmental protection, social responsibility, and the overall viability of businesses in Tanzania's agricultural supply chain. The study also underscores the importance of a collaborative approach involving businesses, government, and civil society to address the challenges of implementing sustainable practices within the supply chain. By highlighting the audience's role in this collaborative effort, the study aims to make them feel valued and integral to the process. These findings are significant and provide a clear road map for the future of sustainable supply chain management in Tanzania's agricultural sector.

Global warming and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have reached unsustainable levels leading to drastic changes that need to be implemented to reduce and reverse the current GHG outputs. Notably, the automotive industry is seeing a paradigm shift in transitioning from the traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) towards electric powered vehicles (EV). This can be seen in Europe, where there has been a remarkable demand increase of EVs in line with governmental policies on reducing the sales of ICEs. Consequently, automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are actively pursuing updating their capabilities to accommodate this new manufacturing shift. One of the challenges arising with this shift is how to manage end-of-life battery recycling of EVs.

This study investigates, how OEMs, can gain a competitive advantage within the automotive industry by managing the end-of-life of batteries. Hence, this study develops a critical review of relevant literature, integrating the current state of manufacturing shift from ICE vehicles, EV battery technologies and battery recycling methods. The paper introduces a conceptual framework consolidating the different business functions required to develop a core competence in EV battery recycling. The study then presents an empirical case on one of the leading automotive OEMs in Europe, in which semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior experts responsible for the identified business functions.

The research highlights three main crucial aspects to be considered by OEMs. Namely, understanding the complexity and interdependences of the major factors within the industry, such as regulatory, technological, and financial factors. Secondly, ensuring that the external variables are considered, such as competition rivalry, supplier power and how the company’s internal capabilities can shape these dynamics. Finally, to create a lasting competitive advantage, it is crucial to develop a strategic fit between the business strategy, level of technological and infrastructure maturity within the industry’s evolving market dynamic.

The study concludes that for OEMs to create a competitive advantage via battery recycling, they will need to assess their internal competencies as well the external environment to create a strategy enabling them to become market leaders. Hence, the recommendation for the case in focus is to first capitalise on their current internal strength points as their manufacturing know-how, skilled workers, and their dealer’s network. Second, to create a hub-spoke network to facilitate the efficient and effective management, collection, and relevant processing of the end-of-life batteries within Europe. Finally, developing close collaborations with different stakeholders in the battery recycling industry, to achieve cost advantages through a closed loop supply chain.