Circular Economy in Sustainable Supply Chains: A Global Perspective on Challenges, Concepts and Cases

Circularity is one of the most promising innovative business models for tackling the challenges posed by climate protection, resource conservation and biodiversity conservation. Circularity requires changed business structures; therefore, it is necessary to adapt existing approaches and reconcile economic and ecological interests. By focusing on the importance of horizontal integration and cross-company cooperation, this book offers valuable insights to help companies generate cross-industry synergy and symbiosis effects and secure competitive advantages along sustainable supply chains. The emphasis is on an expanded understanding of the various R principles, and on theoretical and practical application examples that help to prepare corporate business models for the ecological and social challenges of global supply chains. Given its scope, the book represents an indispensable guide for companies worldwide that want to contribute to sustainable development by adopting circular business models. It analyses the drivers and challenges of implementing these models and presents concepts and insights from pioneering companies in the circular economy, providing a global perspective for managers and researchers alike.