Research on Low-Carbon Dual-Channel Supply Chain Emission Reduction and Financing Strategy Based on Blockchain

Abstract

In the context of implementing carbon quota trading policies and the rapid development of e-commerce, blockchain technology, with its traceable and tamper-proof characteristics, reduces product costs and corporate financing costs by promoting information sharing. It effectively solves the trust problem caused by information asymmetry. This study considers a supply chain consisting of a manufacturer with financial constraints and a retailer with dual-channel sales. We construct decision models for bank financing, zero-interest early payment financing, and in-house factoring financing under both benchmark conditions and blockchain technology conditions. The study explores the impact of blockchain technology on the optimal emission reduction and financing decisions of the supply chain under these three methods. The results show that regardless of whether carbon emissions exceed standards, there is a linear relationship between the manufacturer's profit and carbon emission reduction efficiency. Additionally, there is a U-shaped relationship between the retailer's profit and online market share. There exists a reasonable range for carbon reduction efficiency and online market share such that introducing blockchain technology can effectively increase profits for all parties involved in the green supply chain. Zero-interest early payment financing and in-house factoring financing have critical points related to production cost, while bank financing and in-house factoring financing have critical points related to carbon efficiency. As the impact of blockchain technology on carbon price increases, decision-makers will shift from bank financing to in-house factoring financing.