Transition to circular economy in the Brazilian plastic industry supply chain

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Fernando Luiz Emerenciano Viana
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0911-7208
Maria do Socorro Barbosa Guedes
Flavia Telis de Vilela Araújo
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2054-1909
Marina Dantas de Figueiredo
Lara Isadora Feitosa

Abstract

The current production, use, and disposal of plastics fail to capture the economic benefits of a circular approach, highlighting the need for urgent shifts toward a Circular Economy (CE). This paper is based on a case study in the Brazilian plastic packaging industry supply chain using a systematic literature review, secondary data collection, and semi-structured interviews to investigate the transition of the plastic packaging industry to CE, focusing on barriers, drivers, initiatives, and opportunities. The results highlight key drivers and barriers influencing the transition toward a CE, emphasizing the role of legislation, public policies, brand owners’commitments, and consumer niche demands. While initiatives such as legal frameworks, multi-stakeholder collaborations, and business innovations show promise, significant barriers remain in the Brazilian context, requiring improved waste management policies and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders. The research also underscores the potential societal benefits of transitioning to a CE, including improved resource efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

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How to Cite
VIANA, Fernando Luiz Emerenciano; GUEDES, Maria do Socorro Barbosa; ARAÚJO, Flavia Telis de Vilela; FIGUEIREDO, Marina Dantas de; FEITOSA, Lara Isadora. Transition to circular economy in the Brazilian plastic industry supply chain. RAE - Revista de Administracao de Empresas , [S. l.], v. 65, n. 4, p. e2024–0152, 2025. DOI: 10.1590/S0034-759020250405. Disponível em: https://periodicos.fgv.br/rae/article/view/93960. Acesso em: 13 nov. 2026.
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