A Transformational Change Framework for Developing Ecologically Embedded Manufacturing

H Trollman,J A Colwill

doi:10.1007/s40171-020-00252-8

H Trollman, J A Colwill

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40171-020-00252-8

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Abstract

Unless strategies are adopted to ensure materials remain in circulation within the economy, the manufacturing sector may be unable to support increasing demand from a growing global population. The purpose of this research is to present a framework for manufacturers to aid in the formulation of ecologically embedded strategy. The framework proposes five steps which integrate corporate, business, operations and sustainability strategy in a holistic manner with operations strategy informing business strategy. Qualitative comparative analysis is implemented to identify the causal characteristics of ecologically embedded products which are then used to select two cases for the application of process tracing (PT). Product case studies indicate a failure to communicate provenance, quality and lifecycle information to consumers, and hence, the slowing or closing of loops as part of a circular economy is not being effectively realised. PT confirms the feasibility of the framework for ecocentric strategy formulation in manufacturing. Manufacturers, policymakers and investors may use this framework to leverage the benefits of ecological embeddedness to enable continued growth and future-proofing.

Highlights

The aim of this research is to develop a framework for ecologically embedded strategy in terms of corporate, business and functional strategies in manufacturing
The aim of this research was neither verification of the information provided to consumers nor was it to establish consumer response, but rather an exploration of the information provided and how the information relates the strategy of the manufacturer/producer and their understanding and actions related to ecological embeddedness
The literature review found that current definitions associated with sustainability, circularity and green products are complex and lack comprehensive or agreed characteristics and that ecologically embedded strategy remains unrealised with various concepts capturing only certain elements of ecocentric manufacturing

Summary

Introduction

The aim of this research is to develop a framework for ecologically embedded strategy in terms of corporate, business and functional strategies in manufacturing. The objectives of this research were to analyse the deficiencies in current frameworks and identify the causal characteristics of ecologically embedded products. Successful implementation of the proposed framework will rely on organisational flexibility to specify the relationship between strategy and subsystems (Morabito et al 2009). Ecocentric approaches to corporate, business, or marketing strategy, as opposed to incremental anthropocentric sustainability, are infrequently considered in the literature. An exceptional example is the plastic electronics industry in the United Kingdom (UK) which recommends that managers and policymakers support and encourage ecocentric rather than anthropocentric approaches to eco-innovations (Borland et al 2019). Notwithstanding, there is recognition that moving towards a more ecocentric corporate social responsibility (CSR) is necessary to improve maturity levels of corporate sustainability worldviews (Landrum and Ohsowski 2018)

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