Digital Twins in Sustainable Supply Chain Management: An Exploratory Cross Case Analysis

Wittmann, Magdalena (2026) Digital Twins in Sustainable Supply Chain Management: An Exploratory Cross Case Analysis. In: FEJLŐDÉSI PÁLYÁK ÉS ÚJ TÖRÉSVONALAK A FENNTARTHATÓSÁGI ÁTMENET IDŐSZAKÁBAN : Nemzetközi tudományos konferencia a Magyar Tudomány Ünnepe alkalmából. Soproni Egyetem Kiadó, Sopron, pp. 266-277. ISBN 9789633345795

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Abstract

Digital Twins (DTs) are increasingly recognized as a promising approach for integrating sustainability into supply chain management by enabling virtual replication, scenario testing, and optimisation of complex operational systems. However, systematic understanding on how DTs are implemented in practice to achieve sustainability goals remains limited. This paper addresses this gap through an exploratory, cross-case examination of five documented DT implementations in the supply chain across various industries. Drawing on secondary data from peerreviewed literature, industry reports, and corporate documentation, the analysis identified patterns in sustainability contributions, technological requirements, and organisational conditions across diverse applications. Three principal findings emerge. DTs currently offer sustainability benefits primarily through improvements in operational efficiency that have a positive impact on the environment, rather than through targeted environmental measures. Energy consumption and emissions are the most measured outcomes, with measurement methods and verification standards varying significantly depending on implementation. Improvements in transparency are largely limited to the boundaries of the organisation and do not extend across multi-tier supply chains. Key success factors include technological infrastructure for continuous data collection, simulation capabilities, and the organisational capacity for system integration with documented applications found primarily in large, resource-rich companies in technologically advanced industries. These patterns suggest that the contribution of DTs to supply chain sustainability remains limited and context dependent. To realise greater potential, it is necessary to move beyond isolated efficiency applications and pursue integrated approaches that ensure transparency and coordination across organisational boundaries.

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