Transforming toward a circular economy (CE) is a viable strategy for achieving sustainable logistics systems. However, it is still unclear how this transformation should be approached because there is limited knowledge in this context. This study aims to explore how the logistics sector incorporates sustainability practices toward CE. To achieve this aim, we addressed the research questions of (RQ1) what sustainability practices are used by the logistics sector and (RQ2) how these practices contribute to transforming the logistics sector into CE. We used a qualitative approach to address these questions by interviewing 14 logistics service providers. Interview transcripts were analyzed by using coding, categorizing, and finding relationships among the concepts identified from the literature following the Gioia method. We identified 47 sustainable logistics practices under nine categories from three key themes: environmental preservation, firm's dynamic capabilities, and social well‐being. We used the natural resource‐based view, dynamic capabilities, and social well‐being theories to identify the key themes. These theories contributed to the existing knowledge on CE strategies from the aspects of environmental, economic, and social value in transforming the logistics sector into CE. We built three propositions based on the findings and the propositions highlight that economic value creation is the core benefit followed by environmental and social value creation in the CE transformation. The identified three themes will provide a holistic approach for implementing CE within the logistics sector.

There are several methods available for modeling sustainable supply chain and logistics (SSCL) issues. Multi-objective optimization (MOO) has been a widely used method in SSCL modeling (SSCLM), nonetheless selecting a suitable optimization technique and solution method is still of interest as model performance is highly dependent on decision-making variables of the model development process. This study provides insights from the analysis of 95 scholarly articles to identify research gaps in the MOO for SSCLM and to assist decision-makers in selecting suitable MOO techniques and solution methods. The results of the analysis indicate that economic and environmental aspects of sustainability are the main context of SSCLM, where the social aspect is still limited. More SSCLMs for sourcing, distribution, and transportation phases of the supply chain are required. Additionally, more sophisticated techniques and solution methods, including hybrid metaheuristics approaches, are needed in SSCLM.

Transitioning toward a circular economy (CE) offers a promising avenue for achieving sustainable logistics systems. Nevertheless, the assessment of sustainable logistics practices (SLPs) in the CE context presents challenges due to the inherent dynamism and complexity of logistics systems. This study aims to assess SLPs toward a CE by employing a system dynamics analysis. Specifically, we focus on four sustainability practices: green purchasing (GP), eco‐design (ED), reverse logistics (RL), and green transportation (GT). These practices are assessed in terms of economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability performance using a hypothetical case study centered on pallet manufacturing and distribution system. The results revealed that the RL practice yields improved economic and social performance, while GT enhances environmental performance more significantly when compared to the other three practices. Our analysis shows RL as a promising practice that enhances overall sustainability performance. This model serves as a valuable tool for decision‐makers aiding them in the prioritization of sustainability practices based on their performance within various CE strategies.

Purpose: Despite the wide use of quantitative assessment to identify the relationship between green logistics (GL) practices and the sustainability performance (SP) of firms, results of these studies are inconsistent. A lack of theoretical foundation has been cited as a potential reason for these contradictory findings. This study aims to explore the relationship between GL practices and SP qualitatively and to provide a theoretical foundation for this link.Design/methodology/approach: Following a multi-methodology approach, the authors used the grounded theory method (GTM) to investigate perceived relationships through qualitative analysis and adopted the system thinking (ST) approach to identify causal relationships using causal loop diagrams (CLDs).Findings: The authors identified different sustainability practices under three major categories: logistics capabilities, resource-related practices and people-related practices. This analysis showed the relationships among these practices are non-linear. Based on the results, the authors developed three propositions and introduced a theoretical foundation for the relationship between GL practices and SP.Practical implications: Managerial personnel can use the theoretical foundation provided by this study when making decisions on GL practices adoption. This theoretical foundation suggests applying a holistic approach that can help optimize SP by selecting suitable practices. On the other hand, researchers can use a multi-methodology approach suggested by this study to explore complex social issues.Originality/value: This study contributes to the knowledge from a methodology perspective as no previous studies have been conducted to identifying the relationship between GL practices and SP by combining GTM and ST approaches. This combination can be extended to build system dynamics models for sustainable logistics impacts bringing novelty to the research field of sustainable logistics.

The built environment sector is a major contributor to global waste generation, prompting urgent calls for the sector's transition towards a circular economy (CE). Utilising products with recycled content (PwRC) in construction activities is widely recognised as an effective strategy to support this transition. The opimal utilsiation of these resources warrants supportive policies. There is a limited understanding of how the key stakeholders in the sector perceive these policies. This study investigates the perceptions of key stakeholders regarding the relevance, effectiveness, and limitations of 17 CE policies influencing the uptake of PwRC in Australia. The study employed a semi-structured survey and captured 62 responses representing various stakeholders on 17 CE policies. The findings reveal varying levels of familiarity with the CE policies studied. Furthermore, most survey respondents view current policy frameworks as insufficient in promoting the use of recycled content in construction, underscoring gaps in perceived CE policy effectiveness, particularly in national versus state-level prioritisation. Key policies such as Extended Producer Responsibility, Sustainable Procurement and Carbon Pricing Scheme were identified as having the most significant positive impacts for PwRC optimal uptake in construction projects. The study provides actionable insights for policymakers to clarify and standardise specific areas, enhancing stakeholders' confidence and engagement in circular practices and PwRC utilisation. Furthermore, it highlights the need for integrated policy approaches that address unintended consequences and foster a supportive policy mix for circular practices in the sector.