Knowledge obstacles when transitioning towards circular economy: an industrial intra-organisational perspective

Nujen, Bella Belerivana; Kvadsheim, Nina Pereira; Mwesiumo, Deodat; Reke, Eivind; Powell, Daryl

doi:10.1080/00207543.2022.2158243

Cited by 7 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 59 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Consequently, contributing with in-depth information about the company's practices. Conducting Gemba Walks can be a highly effective intervention in bridging the gap between Lean and CE (Nujen et al ., 2022) in manufacturing. This technique, which involves going to the workplace to observe processes and engage with workers (Inman and Green, 2018), aligns with the principles of Lean by enabling waste identification and elimination.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Circular Economy (CE) constitutes a promising path to achieving sustainability goals (Nujen et al ., 2022) and is a top priority for the European Union. Despite the emergence of innovative business models, policies and technologies to institutionalize CE practices, companies are struggling to make the transition to a circular model (Nujen et al ., 2022). Barriers such as a lack of digital infrastructure and low technological density, traditional linear economic models and non-innovative management approaches continue to impede the transition (Ciliberto et al ., 2021).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Unlocking circular economy potential: evaluating production processes through circular value stream mapping in real case studies

Kalemkerian,

Pozzi,

Tanco

et al. 2023

MEQ

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to propose a new mapping tool called Circular Value Stream Mapping (C-VSM) that combines Circular Economy principles with Lean tools to enhance sustainability performance in operations.Design/methodology/approachTo develop the C-VSM tool, the researchers conducted a literature review and a focus group. The tool was then applied to two real case studies in the agri-food sector, specifically analyzing an artichoke and olive oil producer, to assess its validity and effectiveness.FindingsThe study introduces the Circular Resource Box (CRB) as a key innovation in the C-VSM tool. This visual representation effectively captures resource circularity and how resources and wastes are managed, making it easy to identify circularity in the production process. By combining qualitative and quantitative information with this visual representation, companies can identify improvement opportunities aligned with the CE.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited in scope as it focuses on the application of the C-VSM tool in the agri-food sector. Further research could explore its applicability in other industries and settings to understand its broader impact.Practical implicationsThe C-VSM tool provides practical benefits to companies seeking to transition from linear to circular production processes. It enables practitioners to identify opportunities to reduce environmental impacts and optimize production operations in line with CE.Originality/valueThe introduction of the C-VSM tool is a novel approach that bridges the gap between Lean Manufacturing and CE concepts, advancing the understanding of how CE thinking can be effectively implemented in operations.

show abstract

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Unlocking circular economy potential: evaluating production processes through circular value stream mapping in real case studies

Kalemkerian,

Pozzi,

Tanco

et al. 2023

MEQ

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Aligning incentives for implementing reversible bonding as a circular economy innovation

Van Opstal,

Smeets,

Pals

2024

Bus Strat Env

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

A transition towards a circular economy (CE) often involves the development and adoption of novel technologies and business models. Its implementation, however, requires a close collaboration within and between organizations along supply chains. In this paper, we investigate incentive alignment for the implementation of reversible bonding, a technique that enables separating materials on demand. We use data from semi‐structured interviews with supply chain actors in manufacturing and construction and identify its potential for process optimization and improved repair, refurbishment, and recycling opportunities. Quality, safety, and performance are identified as the most important boundary conditions while split incentive problems tend to impede the implementation of reversible bonding. Switch costs, a lacking market demand, and insufficient mandatory regulations cause split incentive problems, which may be aggravated or mitigated by several market imperfections. Recommendations include investing in collaborative capabilities within organizations and an ex‐ante identification of split incentive problems when constructing circular supply chain governance mechanisms.

show abstract

Synergizing lean management and circular economy: Pathways to sustainable manufacturing

Sasso,

Filho,

Ganga

2024

Corp Soc Responsibility Env

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Our research focuses on integrating circular economy (CE) and Lean Management (LM) within the manufacturing sector, a proactive response to the escalating pressures of globalization, environmental sustainability, and market competition. Through a comprehensive systematic literature review, the research uncovers how CE principles can fortify and enrich LM practices, the role of LM in facilitating a transition towards CE, their combined impact on manufacturing performance, and the crucial environmental factors influencing this integration. The findings underscore that CE principles significantly strengthen LM practices by advocating waste minimization and resource optimization, thereby contributing to operational efficiency and sustainability. Conversely, LM aids the transition to a CE by optimizing resource use and minimizing waste, aligning with sustainability goals. LM supports recycling and remanufacturing by employing Just‐in‐Time and value stream mapping methodologies, augmented by Industry 4.0 technologies for seamless CE integration. Despite challenges like integration barriers and the need for organizational change, the synergy between CE and LM offers substantial benefits for environmental performance, operational efficiency, and competitive advantage. Our paper enriches academic knowledge and provides practical applications in sustainable manufacturing practices, offering a roadmap for organizations striving for sustainable operational excellence. Moreover, it also paves the way for future studies to further explore the synergistic potential of CE and LM through empirical studies, quantitative analyses, and the exploration of Industry 4.0 technologies.

show abstract

Knowledge obstacles when transitioning towards circular economy: an industrial intra-organisational perspective

Cited by 7 publications

References 59 publications

Unlocking circular economy potential: evaluating production processes through circular value stream mapping in real case studies

Unlocking circular economy potential: evaluating production processes through circular value stream mapping in real case studies

Aligning incentives for implementing reversible bonding as a circular economy innovation

Synergizing lean management and circular economy: Pathways to sustainable manufacturing

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About