How “Circular” Is the Supply Chain? Study Case: Impact of the Corporate Social Responsibility on the Circular Economy Within the Power Energy Supply Chain

Abstract

Sustainability has become a priority in global economic and business environment in the past two pandemic years. This challenge has showcased a lesson for social responsibility and sustainability of the supply chain, however had to reflect into circular economy as well. Achieving sustainability requires moving from a traditional linear Take-Make-Waste economy to a circular economy. It requires a fundamental shift behavior based on waste reduction. One of the major challenges for the energy sector are the increased prices and the power demand. Nonetheless the need to reduce the carbon emissions are struggling all the industries including the supply chain of power energy sector. The aim of this paper is to show raising awareness of the subject of the circular economy within the supply chain of the power energy sector and the role of the corporate social responsibility over it. The author conducted a study case in order to identify the precedence of the corporate social responsibility and the potential impact over the circular supply chain. The outcome has been graphically presented to understand the growing business case for sustainable solutions. Incorporating circular economy principles into the company strategies is key to support the sustainable growth for a multi-tiered sector as the power energy industry. The behavioral of the circular economy is not a simple change, it is about all of the intricated principles related to business sustainability and the social responsibility of the supply chain, the latter being requested by the power corporate company.