The Role of Green Logistics in Enhancing Sustainability in the Cement Industry: A Systematic Literature Review from a Saudi Arabian Perspective

Abstract

Objectives: This systematic literature review examines how green logistics can enhance environmental sustainability, operational efficiency, and economic performance in the cement industry, with particular attention to the Saudi Arabian context. The review focuses on sustainable transportation, logistics network optimization, digital logistics systems, and supply chain collaboration as key practices that may reduce logistics-related environmental impacts in cement supply chains. Methods: The study followed the PRISMA 2020 logic for identifying, screening, assessing, and synthesizing relevant studies. A structured search was conducted primarily through Google Scholar using Publish or Perish, supported by supplementary verification through academic indexing platforms and publisher databases where accessible. The search covered English-language peer-reviewed literature published between 2015 and 2026. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 46 studies were retained. Data were extracted according to author, year, sector, country or region, methodology, type of contribution, and relevance to green logistics and sustainability. A simplified CASP/JBI-informed quality appraisal was also applied to assess the strength of the evidence. Results: The thematic synthesis identified four dominant themes. Sustainable transportation appeared in 34 studies (74%), logistics network optimization in 28 studies (61%), digital logistics systems in 21 studies (46%), and supply chain collaboration in 18 studies (39%). The findings suggest that green logistics contributes to sustainability by reducing freight-related emissions, improving route and distribution efficiency, enhancing supply chain visibility, and supporting coordinated environmental action across logistics partners. Conclusions: Green logistics represents a practical and policy-relevant approach for improving sustainability in the Saudi cement industry. However, the evidence also shows that implementation outcomes depend on sectoral conditions, infrastructure readiness, digital maturity, regulatory support, and supply chain coordination. The review highlights the need for more empirical Saudi cement-sector studies and for stronger integration between logistics policy, industrial decarbonization, and sustainability performance measurement.