What Key Drivers Are Needed to Implement Material Efficiency Strategies? An Analysis of the Electrical and Electronic Industry in Malaysia and Its Implications to Practitioners

Fu Haw Ho, Salwa Hanim Abdul-Rashid, Raja Ariffin Raja Ghazilla, Novita Sakundarini, Yoke Ling Woo, Said Ahmad, Ihwan Ghazali and Reazul Haq Abdul Haq
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Fu Haw Ho: Department of Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Batu Pahat, Johor 86400, Malaysia
Salwa Hanim Abdul-Rashid: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
Raja Ariffin Raja Ghazilla: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
Novita Sakundarini: Department of Mechanical, Materials, and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih 43500, Malaysia
Yoke Ling Woo: Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), The National University of Malaysia, Selangor 43600, Malaysia
Said Ahmad: Department of Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Batu Pahat, Johor 86400, Malaysia
Ihwan Ghazali: Department of Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Hang Tuah Jaya, Durian Tunggal 76100, Malaysia
Reazul Haq Abdul Haq: Department of Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Batu Pahat, Johor 86400, Malaysia

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 4, 1-19

Abstract: A circular economy can be achieved by the efficient use of materials across different industries and sectors. In the manufacturing sectors, practicing material efficiency is one of the effective strategies to reduce material usage and solid waste generation. However, due to many unknown factors, such as key drivers to enhance material efficiency, most of the time, manufacturers are practicing at the minimum level of material saving. This study aims to examine the key drivers of material efficiency among electrical and electronic (E&E) companies to fulfill the aims of sustainable manufacturing. The data collection and synthesis were conducted using semi-structured interviews and an analytical hierarchy process survey. In this study, thirteen key drivers were found. Five internal drivers and eight external drivers with different priorities were found to influence E&E companies in the practice of material efficiency strategies. In addition, the drivers’ implications to different practitioner groups are suggested. To conclude, achieving material efficiency can be done effectively if the incentivized key drivers are clearly notified. This research is important to show the key drivers that influence the implementation of material efficiency strategies in the E&E industries.

Keywords: circular economy; material efficiency; resource sustainability; sustainable manufacturing; waste management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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