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Sustainable Logistics 4.0: A Study on Selecting the Best Technology for Internal Material Handling

Author

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  • Saverio Ferraro

    (Department of Industrial Engineering (DIEF), University of Florence, Viale Morgagni, 40, 50134 Florence, Italy)

  • Alessandra Cantini

    (Department of Industrial Engineering (DIEF), University of Florence, Viale Morgagni, 40, 50134 Florence, Italy)

  • Leonardo Leoni

    (Department of Industrial Engineering (DIEF), University of Florence, Viale Morgagni, 40, 50134 Florence, Italy)

  • Filippo De Carlo

    (Department of Industrial Engineering (DIEF), University of Florence, Viale Morgagni, 40, 50134 Florence, Italy)

Abstract

Logistics is a vital activity for the economic growth of an organization as it manages the flow of materials and information within, into, and out of the organization, as well as reverse flow. Like many other industrial processes, logistics has also been impacted by the rise of Industry 4.0 technologies, which has highlighted the significance of Logistics 4.0. However, Logistics 4.0 is mainly focused on economic benefits, while overlooking environmental and social concerns. To address this, a method is proposed that takes into account the three goals of sustainable development when selecting the best technology for internal material handling activities. Firstly, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to examine the application of 4.0 technologies in logistics processes and their impact on economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Secondly, based on the findings of the review, a three-level analytic hierarchy process was proposed to identify the optimal 4.0 technology for internal logistics. To demonstrate the practicality of the proposed method, it was tested on three companies. The results showed that additive manufacturing, exoskeletons, and collaborative robots are the most suitable options for achieving sustainable development goals within Logistics 4.0.

Suggested Citation

  • Saverio Ferraro & Alessandra Cantini & Leonardo Leoni & Filippo De Carlo, 2023. "Sustainable Logistics 4.0: A Study on Selecting the Best Technology for Internal Material Handling," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-22, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:9:p:7067-:d:1130748
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mario Di Nardo & Maryam Gallab & Teresa Murino & Jing Wu & Shatrudhan Pandey, 2025. "Integrating Sustainability and Industry 4.0: A Framework for Sustainable Logistics 4.0," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 5(3), pages 2157-2195, June.
    2. Thu-Hang Hoang & Thi-Trang Tran & Lam Nha Tu Huynh & Dung Khanh Vo & Bao Gia Huynh & Tam Minh Thi Tran & Nguyen Dang Nguyen, 2025. "Advances and barriers in promoting green logistics 4.0 from a multi-stakeholder perspective–a systematic review," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 45(2), pages 1-19, June.
    3. Joanna Majchrzak & Agnieszka Kretkowska & Laura Zielinska & Magdalena Hryb, 2024. "The Relationship Between Sustainable Logistics and Customer Experience - The Study of the Current Situation," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(Special A), pages 548-563.
    4. Kateryna Czerniachowska & Radosław Wichniarek & Krzysztof Żywicki, 2023. "A Model for an Order-Picking Problem with a One-Directional Conveyor and Buffer," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-18, September.
    5. Federico Briatore & Francesca Vanni & Marco Tullio Mosca & Roberto Nicola Mosca & Fabio Fruggiero & Francesco Mancusi, 2025. "Exploring Industry 4.0’s Role in Sustainable Supply Chains: Perspectives from a Bibliometric Review," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 9(1), pages 1-18, February.
    6. Bedrettin Türker Palamutçuoğlu & Selin Çavuşoğlu & Ahmet Yavuz Çamlı & Florina Oana Virlanuta & Silviu Bacalum & Deniz Züngün & Florentina Moisescu, 2025. "Solution of the Capacity-Constrained Vehicle Routing Problem Considering Carbon Footprint Within the Scope of Sustainable Logistics with Genetic Algorithm," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-30, January.

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