Carbon information disclosure mechanism considering extended producer responsibility and low carbon preference under outsourcing remanufacturing

Abstract

The implementation of EPR information disclosure responsibility is one of the four key tasks in the implementation of EPR. In order to explore the impact mechanism of carbon information disclosure behavior of manufacturers and remanufacturers considering extended producer responsibility (EPR) and low-carbon preference on corporate profits of outsourced remanufacturing closed-loop supply chain, this study constructs a two-level supply chain composed of manufacturers and remanufacturers. This paper integrates corporate carbon disclosure with recycling and remanufacturing activities and develop four models according to whether enterprises fulfill EPR information disclosure responsibilities. This study analyzes the equilibrium strategies of manufacturers and remanufacturers in four modes through Stackelberg game and finds that: Firstly, the implementation of EPR is more conducive to enhancing the overall profitability of enterprises compared to a scenario without EPR. Concurrently, enterprises will focus more on consumer low-carbon preferences and market dynamics when implementing EPR policies, thereby striving to enhance their competitive edge. Secondly, manufacturers and remanufacturers should collaborate actively in carbon information disclosure activities to achieve coordinated development between upstream and downstream enterprises. Such collaboration is beneficial for increasing the product recovery rate of remanufacturers. Lastly, social welfare is maximized under a full EPR scenario. The state of social welfare varies with changes in cost subsidy disclosure and consumer low-carbon preferences. Notably, the disclosure efforts of remanufacturers contribute more significantly to social welfare than those of manufacturers.