The adoption of circular economy practices in supply chains – An assessment of European Multi-National Enterprises. (20th August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Calzolari, Tommaso; Genovese, Andrea; Brint, Andrew
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 312(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-08-20
• Subjects: Circular economy -- Fortune 500 -- Sustainability -- MNEs -- Supply chain integration -- Institutional theory; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127616
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: The European Commission Circular Economy Action Plan aims at fostering a society based on sustainable production and consumption. Within this context, industrial organisations are called to implement a wide set of practices to drive this transition: manufacturing easy-to-repair and sustainable products, adopting solutions aimed at extending product lifetime, and promoting remanufacturing and materials' recycling. A major contribution is expected from Multi-National Enterprises (MNEs), as these organisations dominate the European economy and coordinate resource-intensive global supply networks. As such, this study assesses the Circular Economy-inspired initiatives promoted by the largest European MNEs. The content of sustainability reports is scrutinised, through a template analysis technique, in order to create a database of Circular Economy practices. Key findings include the degree of implementation, the level of involvement of supply chain partners, and the drivers behind the implementation of such practices. Furthermore, a conceptual framework is proposed, in order to describe the adoption of Circular Economy practices as a supply chain process. A theoretical discussion explores the role of institutional pressures and supply chain integration to shape the transition towards the adoption of Circular Economy practices in global supply chains.