Circular Supply Chains in Emerging Economies – a comparative study of packaging recovery ecosystems in China and Brazil

Luciano Batista, Yu Gong, Susana Pereira, Fu Jia, Alexandre Bittar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper provides a circular supply chain perspective of packaging recovery ecosystems being implemented by Tetra Pak, a prime global player in the food packaging industry, in two major emerging economies: China and Brazil. The circular supply chain archetype considered in the research allowed a consistent comparative analysis of Tetra Pak’s circular supply chains in both countries. Through a case study approach, the research provides theoretical propositions and learning points that are valuable for academics and practitioners interested in the Chinese and Brazilian markets as well as in the supply chains supporting recovery ecosystems in the packaging industry. In particular, the distinct environments in the Chinese and Brazilian markets render Tetra Pak opportunities to design circular supply chains in different ways showing adaptation and learning to local market characteristics. The industrial perspectives from these emerging economies add to the contributions offered in the paper. Overall, the conceptual considerations and practical recommendations presented in the paper provide useful insights for the development of further studies and implementation of industrial practices advocated by the circular economy.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)7248-7268
Number of pages21
JournalInternational Journal of Production Research
Volume57
Issue number23
Early online date27 Dec 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Dec 2019

Bibliographical note

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis Group in International Journal of Production Research on 27 Dec 2018, available online at: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/00207543.2018.1558295

Keywords

  • circular supply chains
  • packaging recovery ecosystems
  • circular economy
  • emerging economies
  • multinational operations

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