Exploring supply chain sustainability practices in the Gulf Cooperation Council petrochemical sector

Oil & gas companies in the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are critical to improving their sustainability through enacting regulation, developing standards and practices, and monitoring environmental performance. The study investigated how the GCC Petrochemical sector is performing across its supply chains to identify sustainable best practices, performance measurement methods, and related drivers and barriers using Institutional Theory. Primary data were collected from 32 respondent interviews from the GCC Petrochemical sector, along with a review of supporting secondary data. Four best practice pillars emerged: digitalisation, value creation, risk management, and partnerships, which are key enablers and components for sustainability. Resulting drivers, barriers and related key performance indicators will inform this sector's stakeholders. Study confirmed all three Institutional Theory elements influence and impact this sector, but predominantly normative and coercive pressures, with partnerships and self-regulation practices emerging as important. Eight policy recommendations were suggested for governments to enhance sustainability implementation.