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Assessment of Circular Economy within Portuguese Organizations

Author

Listed:
  • Luis Miguel Fonseca

    (ISEP—P. Porto, School of Engineering and CIDEM R&D, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal)

  • José Pedro Domingues

    (ISEP—P. Porto, School of Engineering and CIDEM R&D, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
    Department of Production and Systems, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal)

  • Maria Teresa Pereira

    (ISEP—P. Porto, School of Engineering and CIDEM R&D, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal)

  • Florinda Figueiredo Martins

    (ISEP—P. Porto, School of Engineering and CIDEM R&D, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal)

  • Dominik Zimon

    (Department of Management Systems and Logistics, Rzeszow University of Technology, al. Powstańców Warszawy, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland)

Abstract

The move towards a new Circular Economy (CE) economic model has been advocated and supported in Portugal, however, there is limited research on this topic. To address this gap, a quantitative research based on an online survey was carried out among 99 Portuguese organizations, encompassing a wide range of sectors and sizes. The results show that CE is regarded as a strategic and relevant issue for profitability and value creation. Furthermore, the perception that it requires the adoption of new business models in addition to the classical “reduce, reuse and recycle” approach is growing. Moreover, based on the hypotheses raised, results suggest that the level of CE adoption is positively impacted by the status of the EMS (Environmental Management System) certification and the willingness to improve the environmental performance and achieve a sustainable business model. However, CE activities are still relatively modest and a friendlier context (fiscal, legal, organizational, etc.) and the stronger support from supply chain agents and consumers are required. Future research should focus on how to design and shape the transition from a linear to a CE economy and to ascertain if the positive attitude towards CE is materialized in changing the way business is done.

Suggested Citation

  • Luis Miguel Fonseca & José Pedro Domingues & Maria Teresa Pereira & Florinda Figueiredo Martins & Dominik Zimon, 2018. "Assessment of Circular Economy within Portuguese Organizations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-24, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:7:p:2521-:d:158699
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    References listed on IDEAS

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