In the heart of Cuba’s fresh supply chain lies a complex web of challenges that mirror global struggles with sustainability, resource scarcity, and climate change. A recent study published in the journal *Sustainable Futures* (translated from Chinese as *可持续未来*) offers a fresh perspective on these issues, drawing from the theoretical well of Marx’s metabolism to propose a path forward. Led by Lihua Hu from the School of Marxism at Guangxi University, the research delves into the systemic imbalances that plague Cuba’s fresh supply chain, offering insights that could resonate far beyond the island nation.
The study highlights how capital-driven logic has alienated the natural and social metabolism of Cuba’s fresh supply chain, leading to high loss rates and significant carbon emissions. Hu and her team argue that existing solutions, which often focus on cold chain technology or local innovations, fall short of addressing the root causes of these metabolic crises. “We need to move beyond technical fixes and confront the systemic issues that drive these imbalances,” Hu emphasizes. The research reveals how the capital-logic alienation has not only exacerbated environmental pollution but also created a metabolic fracture between humanity and nature.
The study’s innovative approach lies in its integration of cybernetic technical means to construct a governance path that is both theoretically robust and practically applicable. By leveraging control theory, the researchers designed a switching control model that combines decentralized and integrated inventory management. This model significantly reduces the bullwhip effect—a phenomenon that causes demand fluctuations to amplify as they move up the supply chain. “Our model shows that by optimizing inventory management, we can create a more resilient and efficient supply chain,” Hu explains.
The research also establishes a dynamic correlation function between fresh-keeping efforts and supply chain profits, demonstrating the potential for Pareto improvements—where both suppliers and retailers can benefit from collaborative inventory management. This finding underscores the importance of rebalancing the supply chain’s metabolic process with the natural ecosystem, a goal that requires more than just technological advancements.
Hu and her team propose a governance framework that they term the “political-ecological supply chain.” This framework aims to repair the metabolic fracture through three key dimensions: reconstructing material flows using a circular economy, optimizing energy exchange through precise inventory management supported by digital twin technology, and reconciling value distribution through ecological compensation mechanisms led by community cooperatives. “Sustainable transformation necessitates a holistic approach that integrates technological, social, and ethical dimensions,” Hu notes.
The implications of this research extend beyond Cuba, offering valuable insights for developing countries grappling with similar challenges. By integrating Marxist theory with modern cybernetic techniques, the study provides a paradigm shift in supply chain management, emphasizing the need for systemic changes in production relations and ecological ethics. “This research offers a practical reference for developing countries to repair metabolic fractures and achieve sustainable development,” Hu concludes.
As the global community continues to confront the intensifying climate crisis and resource scarcity, the insights from this study could shape future developments in sustainable supply chain management. By addressing the root causes of metabolic imbalances and proposing innovative governance frameworks, Hu and her team have laid the groundwork for a more sustainable and equitable future. The research not only contributes to the academic discourse but also provides actionable strategies for policymakers and industry leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of sustainable development.