Theorising circular economy and sustainable operations and supply chain management: a sustainability-dominant logic

Abstract

PurposeThis paper introduces initial foundations of a sustainability-dominant logic theory intersecting the sustainable operations and supply chain management (SOSCM) discipline with the circular economy (CE) field of knowledge.Design/methodology/approachThe paper applies propositional forms of theorising to derive the formulation of propositions and interconnections that interrelate SOSCM and CE principles, concepts and practices which provide a reinforcing theoretical basis underlying the proposed sustainability-dominant logic theory.FindingsKey findings are represented by elaborated theoretical propositions for a sustainability-dominant logic linking SOSCM and CE principles, concepts and well-established practical assumptions. The initial set of propositions offers useful insights for a sustainability-dominant logic at three managerial levels: product, firm and supply chain level.Originality/valueThe paper offers an original theoretical common ground based on a sustainability-dominant logic linking key SOSCM with CE tenets, this way developing SOSCM theory anchored in the CE paradigm and, conversely, developing CE theory supported by SOSCM principles and praxis. The initial set of propositions introduced in the paper provides a new pathway for future research and debate by OM scholars engaged with SOSCM and CE developments.

How to enhance circular supply chains? Aligning R-imperatives, uncertainty management and sustainability

“…Third, this study supports previous CSCM research by highlighting the challenges and opportunities of operationalizing R-imperatives (Batista et al. , 2018, 2023; Calzolari et al. , 2022; MahmoumGonbadi et al.…”

“…Third, this study supports previous CSCM research by highlighting the challenges and opportunities of operationalizing R-imperatives (Batista et al, 2018(Batista et al, , 2023Calzolari et al, 2022;MahmoumGonbadi et al, 2021). The findings underline that enhancing CSCs depends on the degree to which firms align R-imperatives operationalization, uncertainty management, and sustainability.…”

“…Within this context, circular supply chains (CSCs) enable the circularity of a wider scope of resources (e.g. products, by-products and waste) and integrate upstream-downstream forward flows of primary raw materials with downstreamupstream reverse flows of secondary raw materials (Batista et al, 2023). Besides, CSCs foster durable design approaches and reutilization practices, thereby prolonging the use of materials and reducing waste.…”

Risks in circular business models innovation: A cross‐industrial case study for composite materials

“…The CE is an ‘economic system that is based on business models which replace the “end‐of‐life” concept with reducing, alternatively reusing, recycling and recovering materials in production/distribution and consumption processes’, which aims to contribute to sustainable development for current and future generations (Kirchherr et al, 2017). Interested readers can refer to Batista et al (2023), Geissdoerfer et al (2017), Ghisellini et al (2016) and Lieder and Rashid (2016) for an in‐depth description of the CE. Multiple aspects of the transition towards the CE have been investigated in the literature, including barriers (Galvão Araujo et al, 2022; Geissdoerfer et al, 2023; Kirchherr et al, 2018), drivers (Geissdoerfer et al, 2023; Gusmerotti et al, 2019) and success factors (Rocca et al, 2022); however, the risk factors linked to the CE transition process have not been systematically evaluated.…”

Overcoming the barriers to food recovery

“…Furthermore, from an environmental perspective, wasted food represents a loss of raw materials and can lead to excess emissions and land use changes (Scherhaufer et al , 2018). FLW also interrupts the recovery of nutrient resources, which is necessary to achieve a circular food system (Batista et al , 2023). Based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) food recovery hierarchy, we use “food recovery” to refer to all efforts to reduce FLW and recover lost economic, environmental or social value – collectively called sustainable value (Ciccullo et al , 2021).…”