Knowledge Agora



Scientific Article details

Title What does it take to close the loop? Lessons from a successful citrus waste valorisation business
ID_Doc 25538
Authors Rao, M; Bilic, L; Bast, A; de Boer, A
Title What does it take to close the loop? Lessons from a successful citrus waste valorisation business
Year 2024
Published British Food Journal, 126, 13
DOI 10.1108/BFJ-08-2023-0700
Abstract PurposeIn this case study, we examine how a citrus peel valorising company based in the Netherlands was able to adopt a circular business model while navigating regulatory, managerial, and supply chain-related barriers.Design/methodology/approachIn-depth, semi-structured interviews with key personnel in the company, notes from field observations, photographs of the production process, and documents from a legal judgement served as data for this single, qualitative case study. Data were coded inductively using the in vivo technique and were further developed into four themes and a case description.FindingsResults from our study indicate that the regulatory and political contexts in the Netherlands were critical to the company's success. Like in the case of most fruitful industrial symbioses, partnerships founded on mutual trust and economically appealing value propositions played a crucial role in ensuring commercial viability. Collaborating with larger corporations and maintaining transparent communication with stakeholders were also significant contributing factors. Lastly, employees' outlook towards circularity combined with their willingness to learn new skills were important driving factors as well.Originality/valueIn addition to expanding the scholarship on the adoption of circular business models, this research offers novel insights to policymakers and practitioners. It provides empirical evidence regarding the importance of public awareness, adaptable legislation, and harmonised policy goals for supporting sustainable entrepreneurship in the circular economy.
Author Keywords Food waste; Food processing by-products; Industrial symbiosis; Circular bioeconomy; Qualitative case study
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
EID WOS:001178987200001
WoS Category Agricultural Economics & Policy; Food Science & Technology
Research Area Agriculture; Food Science & Technology
PDF
Similar atricles
Scroll