Orchestration capabilities in circular supply chains of post-consumer used clothes – A case study of a Swedish fashion retailer

Abstract

In a circular economy environment, resources in various supply chain loops need to be continuously developed and coordinated across an ecosystem of independent companies. The purpose of this study is to explore the orchestration capabilities of an ecosystem-leading company in circular textile supply chains. The study takes an interactive research approach at a Swedish fashion retailer and describes the three overarching orchestration capabilities of (1) managing circular consumer offerings, (2) managing circular supply chain activities, and (3) partnering. Based on the emergent theoretical lens of orchestration capabilities, this research increases knowledge on how to manage circular practices across organizations. In particular, the findings signal the importance of how to organize resources in conjunction with consumer offerings and how an ecosystem-leading company can do this. The circular ecosystem context also draws attention to the need for collaboration. Collaboration is considered a major characteristic of successful ecosystem performance, and the orchestration capabilities developed in this research provide a useful perspective and guidance for designing such collaboration.