Research on water footprint in supply chain perspective: A review

The water footprint, as a key indicator for assessing freshwater utilization by nations, regions, and products, clearly demonstrates water resource usage patterns and facilitates the rational utilization and protection of water resources. However, existing studies have predominantly focused on analyzing the spatiotemporal patterns, driving factors, and sustainability implications of water footprints. At the same time, there has been a notable lack of scientific management and systematic review of water footprints on both supply and demand sides from a supply chain perspective, compromising the scientific rigor of implementing sustainable water resource development strategies. In this study, we first summarize the commonly used methods for evaluating water footprints from a supply chain perspective. Secondly, we review the water footprint studies of product supply chains and supply chain networks (regional supply chains and global supply chains). Finally, we discuss the applicability of different water footprint approaches in different supply chain types and the limitations of water footprint studies from a supply chain perspective. This study aims to find a mature approach to analysing the entire water footprint supply chain, with the ultimate goal of improving water use efficiency and achieving synergistic optimisation of water footprint and economic benefits from an end-to-end supply chain perspective.