Towards a Closed-Loop Supply Chain: Assessing Current Practices in Empty Pesticide Container Management in Indonesia

Lailafitri Handayani (), Gatot Yudoko and Liane Okdinawati
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Lailafitri Handayani: School of Business and Management, Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Jl. Ganesa No. 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
Gatot Yudoko: School of Business and Management, Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Jl. Ganesa No. 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
Liane Okdinawati: School of Business and Management, Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Jl. Ganesa No. 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 19, 1-23

Abstract: Pesticides are essential to modern agriculture, significantly enhancing crop yields and quality to ensure global food security. Their critical role in preventing hunger is highlighted by the notable increase in global pesticide trade over the past decade. In Indonesia, pesticide usage has surged, with a 24% rise in registered pesticide formulations between 2017 and 2021. However, this increase presents challenges, particularly in the disposal of empty pesticide containers (EPC), which pose substantial environmental and health risks if improperly managed. To address this, a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) is proposed as an effective, eco-friendly solution for the management of EPC waste. This study evaluates the implementation of a CLSC for EPC in Indonesia, employing rich picture analysis and stakeholder interviews to identify key challenges, opportunities, and strengths. Notable challenges include regulatory gaps, financial and operational feasibility, and limited farmer engagement. However, opportunities exist in enhancing environmental sustainability, generating economic benefits, and gaining support from industry groups. One key strength is the widespread practice of triple rinsing among farmers, with 62.63% of respondents already adopting this method. This study underscores the important of establishing clear and enforceable regulations, introducing financial incentives and supportive policies, promoting public–private partnerships, creating targeted behavior change interventions, and ensuring organizational commitments and training programs. These insights are crucial in developing a sustainable CLSC, ensuring both environmental and economic benefits.

Keywords: empty pesticide containers; closed-loop supply chain; rich picture; waste management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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