Moving Value Across Borders: The China–Italy Route in EssilorLuxottica’s Supply Chain

This thesis investigates the evolution of global supply chains and the strategic transformation of Luxottica’s logistics network within the framework of sustainable and data-driven management. Focusing on the China-Italy transport corridor, the research integrates analytical models and qualitative reasoning to evaluate how cost efficiency, service performance, and environmental sustainability can be jointly optimized. The study extends the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) framework by including operational reliability (On Time In Full - OTIF), lead time stability (Delivery Time Variability - DTV), and carbon emissions (CO2e), thereby aligning managerial decisions with the principles of the Triple Bottom Line and the European CSRD directives. Through scenario analysis and simulated data, the thesis compares air, rail, and hybrid modal configurations, highlighting the systemic trade-offs among cost, service level, and environmental impact. The results show that rail freight offers the most balanced solution in terms of TCO and sustainability, while hybrid models ensure superior resilience and stability. Finally, the work explores the hypothesis of multi-plant production as a lever to reduce Scope 3 emissions and enhance responsiveness. Overall, the thesis demonstrates that the integration of economic and environmental indicators within a data-driven governance model enables EssilorLuxottica to transform logistics from a cost center into a strategic source of long-term value creation.