Mechanism of change towards the Circular Economy: a case study in the packaging sector under the lens of Institutional Theory

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5902/1983465974072

Keywords:

Institutional Theory, Reverse logistics, Circular Economy, Sustainability

Abstract

Purpose – This article aims to analyze normative isomorphism as a mechanism for institutional change and its potential contribution to the institutionalization of the Circular Economy in the packaging market in Brazil.

Methodology – A qualitative approach through in-depth interviews with a semi-structured script. 23 people from the First sector – government, 15 people from the Second sector – market, and 15 people from the Third sector – Non-Governmental Organizations were interviewed. The snowball sampling technique was used to select the interviewees. The content analysis was conducted with categories defined while exploring the data collected, a posteriori, with NVivo software.

Findings – In Brazil, the pressure for socio-environmental product improvements is concentrated on a portion of the population. Most people focus on economic issues. In addition, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and supervisory government agencies play a crucial role in directly demanding that laws are complied with and in encouraging and instructing civil society related to the Circular Economy and sustainability.

Research implications – this article contributes to filling gaps identified in the literature, such as Circular Economy studies that investigate the dynamics of stakeholders.

Practical implications – the research shows that there is room for organizations that operate in the packaging market in Brazil to develop and disseminate actions related to the Circular Economy and sustainability to their consumers, which can become a competitive advantage in the sector.

Originality/value – the research pointed out that the perception of those involved in this supply chain is still not unanimous regarding society's demand for a circular economy and sustainable actions.

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Author Biographies

Jorge Alfredo Cerqueira Streit, Alves Faria University Center

PhD in Business Administration from the University of Brasília, Brazil. Bachelor in Business Administration from the University of Brasília (UnB) with a period studying at the Universitè de La Rochelle (France)

Patrícia Guarnieri, Universidade de Brasília

Doctorate in Production Engineering from Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil.  She did a post doctorate intership in University of Brasília, in Public Procurement (2017-2018) and another one in University of Bologna (Italy) in Circular Economy (2019-2020).

Pedro Henrique Rodrigues de Sousa, Alves Faria University Center

PhD in Business Administration from the University of Brasília. Winner of the PPGA/University of Brasilia 2021 Highlight Thesis Award, as the author of the best Doctoral Thesis, Strategy and Innovation line.

Patricia Kinast de Camillis, Alves Faria University Center

PhD in Business Administration from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. During her PhD course, she spent 6 months studying at The Open University/UK.

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Published

2023-12-29

How to Cite

Streit, J. A. C., Guarnieri, P., Sousa, P. H. R. de, & Camillis, P. K. de. (2023). Mechanism of change towards the Circular Economy: a case study in the packaging sector under the lens of Institutional Theory. Revista De Administração Da UFSM, 16, e3. https://doi.org/10.5902/1983465974072

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Vol. 16 (2023): Sustainable Supply Chain Management

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