Enablers, levers and benefits of Circular Economy in the Electrical and Electronic Equipment supply chain: a literature review. (20th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bressanelli, Gianmarco; Pigosso, Daniela C.A.; Saccani, Nicola; Perona, Marco
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 298(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05-20
• Subjects: Circular economy -- Sustainability -- Circular supply chain -- Digitalization -- Benefits -- EEE; 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.2021.126819
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Circular Economy in the Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) supply chain has a significant (and still unexploited) potential. This paper aims to systematically review the knowledge emerging from the literature at the intersection between Circular Economy and the EEE supply chain, with a special focus on enablers, levers, and their potential environmental, economic and social benefits. An original framework is developed to categorise Circular Economy enablers, levers and potential benefits. Companies in the EEE industry aiming to implement Circular Economy can exploit several enablers (grouped into digitalization, government intervention, and users' active role) and levers (grouped into circular product design, servitised business models, and supply chain management) to generate economic, environmental and social benefits. Based on the framework, 115 articles were scrutinised. The analysis led to the definition of a research agenda, with policy and industry implications. To advance Circular Economy research in the EEE supply chain, future studies should address: (i) the enabling role of digitalization, particularly within blockchain, 3D Printing, augmented and virtual reality; (ii) design strategies focused on 'reduce'; (iii) servitised business models based on result-oriented offerings; (iv) collaboration in the EEE supply chain; (v) the assessment of social and economic benefits to users. Future research should also investigate the systemic interrelations between enablers, levers and benefits. Highlights: Circular Economy literature in the Electronics supply chain is reviewed. Circular Economy enablers, levers and benefits are systematized and framed. Eight research directions are formulated, including policy and managerial implications. The enabling role of digitalization has been under-investigated so far. Literature overlooked 'reduce' design strategies, sharing and result-oriented business models, supply chain collaboration.