Refereed journal article or data article (A1)
Systemic circular business model application at the company, supply chain and society levels-A view into circular economy native and adopter companies
List of Authors: Rovanto Isa K., Bask Anu
Publisher: Wiley
Publication year: 2021
Journal: Business Strategy and the Environment
Journal name in source: BUSINESS STRATEGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Journal acronym: BUS STRATEG ENVIRON
Volume number: 30
Issue number: 2
Start page: 1153
End page: 1173
Number of pages: 21
ISSN: 0964-4733
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/bse.2677
URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/bse.2677
Abstract
This study contributes to the conceptualization of a sustainable circular business model (CBM), the application of the circular economy (CE) by companies. The study utilized a three-level framework adapted from the CE literature with company (micro), supply chain (meso) and society (macro) levels. This multiple-case study in the textile industry included two types of companies operating in the CE: companies founded on the sustainable principles of a CE (natives) and companies transitioning to a CE from the linear economy (adopters). The findings show that the adopters emphasized long-term economic sustainability on a company level and implemented CE elements to varying degrees on all three levels. The natives pursued business decisions from environmental and social sustainability standpoints, and the three levels were integral in their systemic approach to a CE. The study highlights two key claims: established operational structures and economic volition hindered adopters in their systemic CE implementation, and an integral part of the CBM for natives was a proactive approach towards the society level.
This study contributes to the conceptualization of a sustainable circular business model (CBM), the application of the circular economy (CE) by companies. The study utilized a three-level framework adapted from the CE literature with company (micro), supply chain (meso) and society (macro) levels. This multiple-case study in the textile industry included two types of companies operating in the CE: companies founded on the sustainable principles of a CE (natives) and companies transitioning to a CE from the linear economy (adopters). The findings show that the adopters emphasized long-term economic sustainability on a company level and implemented CE elements to varying degrees on all three levels. The natives pursued business decisions from environmental and social sustainability standpoints, and the three levels were integral in their systemic approach to a CE. The study highlights two key claims: established operational structures and economic volition hindered adopters in their systemic CE implementation, and an integral part of the CBM for natives was a proactive approach towards the society level.
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