The Benefits of the Circular Economy for Companies’ Circular Supply Chains in A French Port Area

Abstract

The current situation of depletion and increasing scarcity of renewable and non-renewable natural resources calls for concrete and rapid action by governments, as the planet is currently living on credit. The circular economy can help tackle challenges such as waste gestion, pollution, biodiversity protection and climate change, by reusing production waste and by-products to reduce consumption of resources and safeguard the needs of future generations. The circular economy offers a number of environmental, economic and social benefits. This article presents the benefits of circular supply chains for companies in the Atlantic Port of La Rochelle. We used a qualitative methodology and carried out an in-depth study of 6 companies involved in the port's circular economy project. The results show a number of benefits, including a reduction ordinary industrial waste, financial savings, a reduction in the consumption of virgin resources and a reduction in carbon impact on circular supply chain.