Analyzing Barriers to Digital Procurement in Polymer Composites Supply Chain Using ISM for Sustainable Transformation

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 06 | Page : 512 521
    By

    Amol J. Asalekar,

  • DVA Rama Sastry,

  • Vishal A Bhosale,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, MIT Academy of Engineering, Alandi, Pune, Maharshtra, India
  2. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koneru Lakshmaiah Educational Foundation, Green Fields, Vaddeswaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, MIT Academy of Engineering, Alandi, Pune, Maharshtra, India

Abstract

The adoption of e-procurement in the polymer and composites industry presents a transformative opportunity to enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce material waste, and support sustainable engineering practices. However, industries face significant barriers in transitioning from traditional procurement to digital systems, particularly in sourcing specialized materials such as epoxy resins, bio-based polymers, and hybrid composites. This study employs Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) to identify, analyze, and prioritize eleven critical barriers affecting e-procurement adoption in polymer-based supply chains, including high implementation costs (ESCB9), lack of technical expertise (ESCB2), and unreliable supplier networks (ESCB8). The ISM model reveals interdependencies among these barriers, highlighting how management support (ESCB1) and secure digital authentication (ESCB11) act as foundational challenges. By integrating sustainable procurement principles (SDG 12) and Industry 4.0 technologies, this research provides actionable strategies for polymer manufacturers to optimize material sourcing, minimize carbon footprints, and adopt circular economy practices. The findings demonstrate how digital procurement can optimize sourcing of nanocomposites, recyclable polymers, and 3D-printing materials while overcoming systemic inefficiencies in polymer supply chains. This research establishes crucial connections between supply chain digitization and sustainable materials engineering, particularly for advanced composites. The study provides manufacturers with a practical framework for implementing eco-efficient procurement systems that address both sustainability goals and operational requirements specific to polymer and composite material supply networks.

Keywords: Polymer Composites, ISM, Sustainable Supply Chain, Circular Economy, Digital Transformation.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer and Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Amol J. Asalekar, DVA Rama Sastry, Vishal A Bhosale. Analyzing Barriers to Digital Procurement in Polymer Composites Supply Chain Using ISM for Sustainable Transformation. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(06):512-521.
How to cite this URL:
Amol J. Asalekar, DVA Rama Sastry, Vishal A Bhosale. Analyzing Barriers to Digital Procurement in Polymer Composites Supply Chain Using ISM for Sustainable Transformation. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(06):512-521. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=233249


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Special Issue 06
Received 05/06/2025
Accepted 24/06/2025
Published 04/09/2025
Publication Time 91 Days
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