Research on supply chain collaboration carbon emission reduction strategies embedded in a blockchain under cost-sharing contracts

We construct a two-level, low-carbon supply chain comprising a manufacturer and retailer. Under the incentive contract model of traditional cost sharing, blockchain technology is embedded, and a game model is established considering the influence of consumers' green trust and low-carbon preference coefficient. Through calculations, this study examines the impact of manufacturers adopting blockchain technology and retailers cooperating with suppliers to reduce carbon emissions through cost sharing on the carbon emission reduction rate and corporate profits. This study finds that if blockchain technology is adopted, retailers' sharing of carbon emission reduction costs can improve supply chain efficiency but reduce retailers' profits. When the costs of blockchain technology are below a certain threshold, its adoption can effectively improve the carbon emission reduction rate, win the green trust of consumers, expand the market for green and low-carbon products, and improve the profits of the supply chain. [Submitted: 8 March 2024; Accepted: 21 October 2024]