What's critical for closed-loop supply chain operations? - Findings from the Indian small and medium manufacturing enterprises

Abstract

With an increase in waste generation, resource scarcity and deterioration of environment, circular economy is being given wide attention. Closed-loop supply chain can help to achieve the goals of circular economy through maximizing the use of materials. This study explores the critical success factors for closed-loop supply chain operations in Indian small and medium manufacturing enterprises. A survey-study approach is followed for the collection of data, and partial least squares approach is applied to examine the critical factors. The findings show ‘Green innovation’ to be the most critical factor, followed by ‘Management support and coordination’, ‘Design for recovery’ and ‘Managing product returns’. The study guides the managers in Indian small and medium manufacturing enterprises on critical factors for closed-loop supply chain operations. The study also extends the knowledge on closed-loop supply chain by identifying the critical factors in Indian small and medium manufacturing enterprises.