This paper outlines findings of a content analysis assessing systematically all case studies in the field of SSCM, published from 1994 to 2007 in English-speaking peer-reviewed journals. The content analysis aims at structuring the field by applying categories deductively derived from a framework of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). The study finds that the social dimension of sustainability has been neglected in research and practice so far, and that case study research has focused rather on win-win situations between the dimensions of sustainability than on trade-offs. Governing bodies, customers and stakeholders are identified as highly-relevant external triggers of SSCM. Intensive communication and cooperation across the entire supply chain proves true to be a paramount characteristic of SSCM. Notwithstanding, far-reaching supply chain integration is still rather limited, even in SSCM, and has to be extended if environmental and social goals are actively to be taken into account.