Title: Reverse logistics for waste reduction in cradle-to-cradle-oriented firms: waste management strategies in the Dutch metal industry

Authors: Aleid Van Der Wiel; Bart Bossink; Enno Masurel

Addresses: Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands. ' Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands. ' Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Abstract: The theoretical contribution of this paper is that it identifies, explores and explains the stimulating impact of four reverse logistics concepts - which are: drivers and barriers, product types and characteristics, process and recovery options, and actors - on firms' waste reduction practices. The paper builds upon a theoretical framework of reverse logistics and an empirical study of firms in the Dutch metal industry. Its aim is to develop a model of four reverse logistics concepts that enables an analysis of waste management practices in industry. Although the model is based on a young and emerging field in the literature, and is applied in one-single specific industry and country, the model provides a useful analytical frame of reference for further research in the same and in different empirical settings. This paper's contribution to good practice is that it provides various avenues for practitioners to develop and employ a waste management strategy.

Keywords: cradle to cradle; C2C; regenerative design; eco-effectiveness; environmental sustainability; reverse logistics; waste management; waste reduction; metal industry; Holland; Netherlands; recycling; drivers; barriers; product types; product characteristics; process options; recovery options; good practice; technology management; environment; business; sustainable development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2012.049108

International Journal of Technology Management, 2012 Vol.60 No.1/2, pp.96 - 113

Published online: 06 Apr 2013 *

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