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Title Expanding bioplastics production: sustainable business innovation in the chemical industry
ID_Doc 78016
Authors Iles, A; Martin, AN
Title Expanding bioplastics production: sustainable business innovation in the chemical industry
Year 2013
Published
DOI 10.1016/j.jclepro.2012.05.008
Abstract The case of bioplastics illustrates how business models can link producers and customers through the development of new technologies and products. Chemical companies have assumed that reducing costs, increasing yields, and developing better feedstock supplies will guarantee the success of bioplastics in the market, yet a number of unconventional hurdles exist. Companies need to build markets for bioplastics and to assure customers that bioplastics are indeed sustainably made. We contend that companies are most able to develop business models that bring bioplastics to market effectively when they develop and mobilize their "dynamic capabilities" around sustainability. DuPont, BASF, and Braskem have identified new market opportunities for bioplastics, designed distinctive types of business models to seize these opportunities, and devised ways to create increased value by communicating performance advantages and environmental impact reduction to downstream entities. Because they have not included societal actors in their efforts to define sustainability, the firms face significant risk that their sustainable value propositions may not endure without further innovations in creating accountability systems. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Author Keywords Bioplastics; Biopolymers; Chemical industry; Business models; Dynamic capabilities; Innovation; BASF; DuPont; Braskem
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED); Social Science Citation Index (SSCI)
EID WOS:000318389100005
WoS Category Green & Sustainable Science & Technology; Engineering, Environmental; Environmental Sciences
Research Area Science & Technology - Other Topics; Engineering; Environmental Sciences & Ecology
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