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Title Portfolios of sustainable practices for packaging in the circular economy: an analysis of Italian firms
ID_Doc 4401
Authors Cozzolino, A; De Giovanni, P
Title Portfolios of sustainable practices for packaging in the circular economy: an analysis of Italian firms
Year 2023
Published International Journal Of Logistics Management, 34, 7
DOI 10.1108/IJLM-03-2022-0132
Abstract PurposeThis study analyzes sustainable practices adopted by Italian firms to enhance the circularity of packaging and related results in terms of environmental improvements.Design/methodology/approachThe authors developed an empirical analysis using publicly available data from the National Consortium of Packaging (CONAI) in Italy, which consists of 603 circular packaging projects. The authors ran both descriptive and prescriptive analyses to determine individual sustainable practices and portfolios adopted to enhance packaging circularity and to verify related reductions in terms of CO2 emissions as well as energy usage and water consumption.FindingsThe findings reveal that firms are more accustomed to focusing on single sustainable practices than on portfolios of practices to achieve packaging circularity. Raw material saving and logistics optimization are the most frequent sustainable practices adopted by firms to improve circularity of packaging. The reuse of packaging allows firms to simultaneously reduce CO2 emissions, energy usage and water consumption. Preferences in terms of portfolio of sustainable practices are strictly linked to the types of materials used for packaging and environmental targets.Originality/valueThe authors investigate environmental practices that firms adopt to support packaging circularity, and the authors detect portfolios of sustainable practices that positively impact environmental performance indicators. This research extends a significant glimpse into the portfolio of sustainable practices for packaging in the circular economy implemented by firms, filling academic gaps and indicating business opportunities and avenues for economic development.
Author Keywords Circular packaging; Circular economy; Sustainable targets; Portfolios of sustainable practices; Life-cycle assessment; Empirical analysis
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Social Science Citation Index (SSCI)
EID WOS:000916056700001
WoS Category Management
Research Area Business & Economics
PDF https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJLM-03-2022-0132/full/pdf?title=portfolios-of-sustainable-practices-for-packaging-in-the-circular-economy-an-analysis-of-italian-firms
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