Exploring the Intersection Where Business Models, a Circular Economy and Sustainability Meet in the Waste Economy: A Scoping Review

Marlin Hoffman, Catherina J. Schenck and Frederick Herbst
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Marlin Hoffman: Office of the DVC: Academic and DSI/NRF/CSIR Chair in Waste and Society, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
Catherina J. Schenck: Department of Social Work DSI/NRF/CSIR Chair in Waste and Society, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
Frederick Herbst: Business School, Milpark Business School, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 6, 1-14

Abstract: The authors endeavor to investigate the intersection and relationship between sustainability, business models and a circular economy. These three concepts are believed to be at the heart of finding a solution to creating and implementing a circular economy. The three pillars of sustainability (society, environment and economics) have been identified as the golden thread when applied to developing circular economies and the business models used in these circular economies. These three pillars highlighted the areas of intersection and engagement between the circular economy and business models. The three pillars, or stakeholders, need to be considered equally and, where there is sacrifice and benefits, they need to be balanced. A scoping review was chosen, as the starting point, to ascertain the literature in the field. The results of the scoping review showed a lack of research conducted at the point of intersection between these three fields. Finding a solution by creating and implementing a circular economy will have positive effects on the economy, environment and society, as there is, proverbially, “not much time left” and everyone in the process will sacrifice and benefit. The research has highlighted the need to explore the intersection and relationship between sustainability, business models and the circular economy as a concept, and future research should develop frameworks to guide the development and implementation of this intersection to include all relevant stakeholders.

Keywords: sustainability; business models; circular economy; environment; waste economy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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