Circular economy and the Titanic effect: Analysis of 145 case studies

IF 9.6 1区环境科学与生态学 Q1 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Sustainable Production and Consumption Pub Date : 2025-08-05 DOI:10.1016/j.spc.2025.07.012

Miranda Braga Gomes Nogueira, Jeanette Simpson , Adam Christopher Snow , Fiona Charnley , Begüm Yontar Avcı, Kevin Brown , Tanvir Ahmed

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

This research explores challenges and critical factors in implementing circular economy (CE) initiatives, particularly in business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) contexts, through the analysis of previous failures. There is limited literature on CE implementation failure mechanisms and how learning from them can inform business operations.

A detailed analysis of 145 B2B and B2C primary and secondary case studies, combine insights from subject matter experts, examines outcomes against original objectives. Using a systems thinking framework, the research investigates the root causes of CE failures and whether such an approach might assist to prevent future breakdowns. This research positions itself by considering end-to-end circularity, while integrating environmental (e.g. greenhouse gas emissions), social, and systemic sustainability dimensions.

Findings reveal that failures often result from neglecting wider system impacts, including cost implications and waste management challenges. The complexity of CE implementation is underscored, supporting a systems approach that aligns environmental protection, social equity, economic feasibility, and consumer engagement. The study also highlights a clear gap in the literature on CE failure, reinforcing the need for more structure and systemic analysis. Actionable insights are offered to inform strategic planning, risk management, policy development, and investment in more resilient CE adoption

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循环经济与泰坦尼克号效应：145个案例分析

本研究通过对以往失败的分析，探讨了实施循环经济（CE）计划的挑战和关键因素，特别是在企业对企业（B2B）和企业对消费者（B2C）环境中。关于CE实施失败机制以及从中学习如何为业务运营提供信息的文献有限。对145个B2B和B2C主要和次要案例研究的详细分析，结合主题专家的见解，根据原始目标检查结果。使用系统思维框架，该研究调查了CE故障的根本原因，以及这种方法是否有助于防止未来的故障。本研究通过考虑端到端循环来定位自己，同时整合环境（如温室气体排放）、社会和系统可持续性维度。研究结果表明，失败往往是由于忽视了更广泛的系统影响，包括成本影响和废物管理挑战。强调了执行CE的复杂性，支持将环境保护、社会公平、经济可行性和消费者参与结合起来的系统方法。该研究还强调了CE失败文献中的明显空白，强调了对更多结构和系统分析的需求。提供可操作的见解，为战略规划、风险管理、政策制定和更有弹性的CE采用投资提供信息

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来源期刊

Sustainable Production and Consumption Environmental Science-Environmental Engineering

CiteScore

17.40

自引率

7.40%

发文量

389

审稿时长

13 days

期刊介绍： Sustainable production and consumption refers to the production and utilization of goods and services in a way that benefits society, is economically viable, and has minimal environmental impact throughout its entire lifespan. Our journal is dedicated to publishing top-notch interdisciplinary research and practical studies in this emerging field. We take a distinctive approach by examining the interplay between technology, consumption patterns, and policy to identify sustainable solutions for both production and consumption systems.