Analysis of the implementation of changes in supply chains towards a circular economy

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the publication was to present the opportunities offered by the implementation of Cleaner Production projects in terms of improving the efficiency of supply chains, in accordance with the principles of transformation to the circular model, and to review indicators characterizing green supply chains, indicating the direction of further, in-depth research in a given area. Methodology: Fourteen entities that implemented implementation projects under the Cleaner Production Academy were analyzed. On this basis, the degree of adaptation of selected enterprises to functioning in the circular model in such areas as transport, reverse logistics, cooperation, and eco-design was discussed. The economic account related to the above was balanced. implementations, then the results of the projects were summarized in the form of economic, environmental, and social indicators. Findings: Confrontation of the ways of implementing changes in the area of improving the efficiency of the functioning of the supply chains of the analyzed companies with the effects that have been achieved, showed the greatest commitment to projects reducing material losses and reducing the costs of internal logistics. The least involvement was found in the area of activities such as establishing cooperation with other companies or developing the service sphere. Research implications: Further research should focus on an in-depth analysis of examples of good practice in the area of cooperation and development of services for companies taking action to improve the efficiency of supply chains. Enterprises have a chance to significantly reduce costs and improve the environmental effect through activities in this area, which should be confirmed by examples of implementations. Practical implications: The analysis of the indicators suggested in the literature related to the transformation of supply chains towards closing the loops indicates the need to create standards that, on the one hand, will enable verification of the effects of implementations implemented as part of Cleaner Production projects, and on the other hand - will constitute know-how for companies. These activities, so far rarely undertaken by companies, are generally low-cost and probably enable achieving very good economic effects in the long term, which should be checked. Social implications: The development of activities in the social area by companies in the field of development of the service base and cooperation will have an impact on other indicators (economic and environmental), which is indicated by numerous examples of effects in this area in the world literature. Originality: The article takes a very important direction of further research in the area of know- how for taking actions aimed at closing supply chains. The authors look for the most universal indicators and pay attention to the need for their mutual complementation. The collected material is the starting point for further in-depth analyses. Keywords: circular economy, supply chain, cleaner production. Category of the paper: Viewpoint, Conceptual paper.