Supply network operations in the context of circular economy

Abstract

This research investigates principles to design Circular Supply Networks (CSN). We derive key investigative variables employing Industrial Ecology (IE) theory and Supply Network (SN) research to observe impact of product, production, and location attributes on design and assessment of CSNs. We apply a single case study design guided by a research framework. Findings suggest that certain product, process, and location attributes are required for a reuse based CSN. The research novelty lies in scope and level of analysis of SN. This research contributes to SN design research by incorporating the system balancing concept from IE and principles of Circular Economy.