Amid rising environmental concerns, Industry 4.0 and Blockchain technology (BCT) are transforming circular economy (CE) practices and prevailing business models. Recognize the same; this study examines the role of blockchain technology in circular CE practices; and their impact on eco-environmental performance, which influences organizational performance. The study collects data from 404 enterprises located in Chinese and Pakistani territories, involved in cross-border supply chain operations. Both countries' sample has great relevance due to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which possess several positive fallouts in terms of technology spillovers across firms. Using the PLS-SEM modeling framework, this study provides three key findings. First, BCT significantly improves the circular economy practices (circular procurement, circular design, recycling, and re-manufacturing). Second, CE practices help improve firms' environmental performance and stimulate their financial performance. Third, higher eco-environmental performance significantly boosts organizational performance. This study set-out the foundations for participating countries/firms that simultaneously achieve financial and sustainable goals by integrating blockchain technology in circular economy practices. 

Keywords: Industry 4.0; Blockchain technology; Circular economy practices; Organizational performance; Structural equation modeling

Syed Abdul Rehman Khan is a professor of Supply Chain and Logistics Management. Dr. Khan achieved his CSCP—Certified Supply Chain Professional certificate from the U.S.A. and successfully completed his Ph.D. in China.
He has more than nine years’ core experience of supply chain and logistics at industry and academic levels. He has attended several international conferences and also has been invited as keynote speaker in different countries. He has published more than 55 scientific research papers in different well-renowned international journals and conferences. He is a regular contributor to conferences and workshops around the world. In addition, Dr. Khan has achieved scientific innovation awards two times consecutively by the Education Department of Shaanxi Provincial Government, China.
Also, Dr. Khan holds memberships in the following well-renowned institutions and supply chain bodies/associations: APCIS-U.S.; Production and Operation Management Society, India; Council of Supply Chain Management of Professionals U.S.; Supply Chain Association of Pakistan; and Global Supply Chain Council China.