Impact of Circular Economy on Supply Chain Management

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the integration of the circular economy (CE) into supply chain management (SCM), a topic that is scarcely addressed in the literature. Its exploratory nature leads the author to study two company cases. The author conducted a qualitative case study by interviewing 16 persons working in the companies X and Y. Three main findings emerge from the empirical analysis. Firstly, the business ecosystem is a prerequisite for the development of practices related to the circular economy. Secondly, CE practices modify the studied SCs to varying degrees. And thirdly, CE practices impact the performance of the supply chain. The chapter has many implications. In terms of theory, it contributes significantly to completing the theoretical survey on the integration of the circular economy in supply chain management. On the other hand, these findings help companies wishing to restructure their supply chains, and public authorities that want to formulate policies and implement strategies leading to more sustainable urban environments.