ISL Workshop

The workshop will be held on the afternoon of Sunday 6th July 2025, 14:30/15:00 – 17:30 hrs

Background
The ISL community has been meeting annually in a pre-conference workshop to discuss, debate, and develop understanding about current, pervasive, and future Supply Chain (SC) issues. These workshops have traditionally involved both academics and practitioners, with the aim to develop pragmatic results that align theory and practice. The most recent workshops in Cork (2022), Enschede (2023), and Bangkok (2024) have effectively addressed a wide range of issues with the discussion moving towards circular SC systems in recent years. This workshop will continue this stream of discussion.

Description and Purpose of the Workshop
In recent years, the emphasis on sustainability has led to a paradigm shift in supply chain management, with an increasing focus on circular supply chains (CSCs). This year’s workshop aims to explore the multifaceted challenges and strategies associated with the integration of suppliers within CSC frameworks.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogues with both academics and practitioners, fostering a collaborative environment to address pressing issues related to supplier engagement, innovative practices and technologies that promote circularity.

The workshop will feature two guest speakers both from academia and business with practical examples and insights. The workshop will build on insights from a Coffee Cup Return System and from challenges in B2B return logistics and CSC facilitating discussions around four key themes:

  • Motivation & Regulatory Framework
  • Enablers, Digital Tools & System Design
  • Operational Challenges & Supply Chain Constraints
  • Research Insights & Future Potential

Outline
The workshop will follow the approximate timetable below:

  • 14:30 – 15:00 Networking, Coffee & Tea
  • 15:00 – 15:30 Welcome, brief introduction and invited contributions
  • 15:30 – 16:30 Workshop group work
  • 16:30 – 17:00 Concluding discussion

The Conference Reception will be held in the city center of Wiesbaden starting at 18:00.