Towards a circular economy through collaborative environmental practices

: evidence from literature and empirical studies in green supply chain management

Abstract

The concept of Circular Economy (CE) has gained popularity as a mean to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development. Collaboration plays a pivotal role in realizing CE by facilitating the implementation of practices like resource reduction, eco-design, reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling.

This study offers a comprehensive exploration of collaborative approaches within the CE context.

The thesis consists of a systematic literature review (SLR) and an empirical study. SLR is conducted to gain an understanding of typical CE practices, types of collaborations, and collaboration spheres in developed and developing countries. Gaps identified in the SLR guided a deeper investigation of issues relevant to developing countries like Jordan. The development of green supply chains and the influence of power on environmental collaboration and green supply chain practices were identified as important academic-, practice- and policy-relevant issues.

Grounded in existing literature, as well as on the natural-resource-based view and signalling theory, the study developed 16 hypotheses, which were tested empirically via survey and analysed by using the Structural Equations Modelling technique.

The study reveals that 1) Collaboration between manufacturers and suppliers is vital for the adoption of CE and green practices and that it enhances both economic and environmental performance for manufacturers. However, not all green supply chain practices equally benefit manufacturers. 2) Manufacturers can utilize their power to foster positive relationships with suppliers and improve green supply chain practices but should be careful if using coercive power.

The research findings suggest that policymakers in developing countries should promote an environment conducive to collaboration, as it can help address resource scarcity, solid waste management, and CO2 emissions. Furthermore, this study provides valuable insights for businesses that want to enhance sustainability-related performance through CE and green practices, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and power dynamics in this process.

Thesis is embargoed until 31 December 2028.

Date of Award	Dec 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Sponsors	Hashemite University
Supervisor	Min Zhang (Supervisor) & Jelena Vlajic (Supervisor)