Wholesaler echelon and Industry 4.0 in circular supply chains {\textendash} a~systematic review

Purpose– This paper aims to analyse systematically previous literature that sought to understand the formation of circular supply chains (CSCs) and propose a research agenda for implementing circular economy 4.0 in the wholesale industry. Design/methodology/approach– The research is based on a systematic literature review. Findings– There is a prevalence of research related to manufacturing and how industrial complexes can establish practices linkedtothecirculareconomy.Thereviewedpapersinthisstudycanbeclassifiedintothree perspectives: systemic analysis, institutional perspective and operational perspective. Considering these categories and the wholesaler perspective, there is a scope to explore Industry 4.0 technologies applications with wholesale distributors and their contributions to the reverse flow of waste along the CSC. In addition, it is interesting to examine the interpretation of wholesale distributors on circularity, and how these members can contribute to filling the information gaps between industries and retailers based on the concepts of circular economy and Industry 4.0, and how they can contribute to establishing public policies for proper waste recycling methods. Originality/value– First, this research considers the wholesaler the exclusive supply chain member under the influence of Industry 4.0 and highlights its importance in firms’ circular operations. Second, it provides an inclusive plan for the other stakeholdersto interactwith thewholesalerechelontodesignandoperateunder4.0 technologies to consolidate effective CSCs. Keywords Wholesale, Sustainability, Distribution, Sustainable supply chain management, Closed-loop supply chain, Reverse logistics Paper type Research paper