Sustainable Development Through Global Circular Economy Practices

This is a very important and timely book in a growing area of interest in business schools and among practitioners globally. The book explores the conceptual roots of circular economy, setting out the theoretical strands and areas of application with clarity and interest. Case studies are most welcome in this field as there is a dearth of applied material. The case studies in the book are wide and varied, integrated seamlessly into the text and offer crucial insights into what and how CE can be embraced and implemented. The addition of content relating to organisational context, resistance to change and leading change in CE is very useful, opening up questions and answers to both researchers and practitioners. The final chapter considers a progressive research agenda in the field which is very welcome for the academic community. There is something in this book for everyone, from teachers, researchers to practitioners and general interest audiences. The writing style is very accessible and the authors pull no punches in setting out the need for immediate action. A great read, a well-researched and presented book and core reading for anyone interested in social and environmental sustainability.

Professor Colin Dey, Professor of Social Accounting, University of Dundee, UK

The development of the Circular Economy is probably the most important in management research. It transcends all disciplines, sectors and geographies.

This book provides an excellent overview of the managerial challenges in transitioning from the linear to the circular with a perspective that emphasises the role of digital technology. The authors rightly emphasise the radical over the incremental and thus provide a comprehensive account of ‘how to’ for practicing managers.

Roger Maull, Professor of Management Systems, University of Exeter’s Business School, UK

Sustainable Development Through Global Circular Economy Practices

BY

STUART MAGUIRE

University of Sheffield, UK

AND

IAN ROBSON

University of Dundee, UK

United Kingdom – North America – Japan – India – Malaysia – China

Emerald Publishing Limited

Emerald Publishing, Floor 5, Northspring, 21-23 Wellington Street, Leeds LS1 4DL.

First edition 2024

Copyright © 2024 Stuart Maguire and Ian Robson.

Published under exclusive licence by Emerald Publishing Limited.

Reprints and permissions service

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without either the prior written permission of the publisher or a licence permitting restricted copying issued in the UK by The Copyright Licensing Agency and in the USA by The Copyright Clearance Center. Any opinions expressed in the chapters are those of the authors. Whilst Emerald makes every effort to ensure the quality and accuracy of its content, Emerald makes no representation implied or otherwise, as to the chapters’ suitability and application and disclaims any warranties, express or implied, to their use.

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

ISBN: 978-1-83753-591-0 (Print)

ISBN: 978-1-83753-590-3 (Online)

ISBN: 978-1-83753-592-7 (Epub)

We would like to dedicate this book to Irene Middlemiss.Irene was a constant support at stressful times – especially during the writing of books. She was taken much too early in April 2021.

Introduction: Sustainable Development Through Global Circular Economy Practices1
Chapter 1: The Origins of the Circular Economy9
Chapter 2: Sustainability and the Circular Economy as Part of a Global Environmental Strategy37
Chapter 3: Sustainable Production and Consumption Within the Circular Economy59
Chapter 4: Supply Chain Management and the Circular Economy79
Chapter 5: Business Innovation and Change for Circular Economy113
Chapter 6: A Review and Research Agenda for the Circular Economy133
Index157