The Conventional vs. Bioplastic Supply Chain Dichotomy: A Systematic Review and Research Agenda

Abstract

Purpose: The global shift from conventional plastics to bioplastics presents significant supply chain management (SCM) challenges, yet the academic literature on this transition is highly fragmented. This paper aims to synthesize this scattered body of knowledge to create a coherent map of the documented SCM challenges and identify critical gaps for future research.

Design/Methodology/Approach: A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 protocol. A final corpus of 56 peer-reviewed studies was analysed through a thematic synthesis to answer the research question: What are the documented SCM challenges and adaptations in the transition from conventional to bioplastic bags?

Findings: The review reveals a deep dichotomy between the two systems across three core themes: sourcing (stable petrochemicals vs. volatile agriculture), production (mature scale vs. nascent innovation), and end-of-life (linear efficiency vs. circular complexity). A significant finding is the lack of holistic, end-to-end comparative research in existing literature.

Originality/Value: This study’s primary contribution is the consolidation of a fragmented research area into a clear, thematic overview. It identifies three critical research gaps (holistic analysis, managerial perspectives, and external pressures) and proposes a structured research agenda, providing a valuable roadmap for academics, policymakers, and industry leaders.