Reducing transport-related climate impacts within upstream supply chains: Challenges and opportunities for buying firms

Licentiatavhandling, 2025

This thesis deals with how buying firms can reduce transport-related climate impacts within their upstream supply chains. While transport is a major contributor to CO2 emissions, upstream emissions, i.e. those embedded in purchased goods and transport, are often overlooked due to limited visibility and control. In line with this, the aim of this thesis is to explore how buying firms can reduce the transport-related climate impacts from their upstream supply chains and the main challenges and opportunities in doing so.

Theoretically the thesis is grounded in the Industrial Network Approach. Furthermore, it takes a starting point in the Transport Service Triad to explore the embeddedness of transport activities in supply networks and the role of purchasing in managing the transport demand to reduce CO2 emissions.

A qualitative single case study approach is used, focusing on a Focal Manufacturing Company and its efforts to reduce the transport emissions embedded in their upstream supply chains. Furthermore, a literature review was conducted to get an overview of previous research in the area.

The thesis identifies key challenges and opportunities for emission reductions, including aspects such as supplier locations, lead time requirements, production methods, transport modes, and vehicle and fuel choices. The findings highlight the importance of reconfiguring supply networks, fostering collaboration with suppliers and transport service providers, and integrating sustainability in purchasing decisions and strategies.

The thesis contributes to the theoretical understanding of how transport activities are embedded in supply networks and offers practical insights for buying firms aiming to decarbonize their upstream supply chains.