Regulatory stimulators and economic - managerial barriers to the development of circular supply chains for plastics
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Keywords

circular economy
circular supply chains
plastic waste
coercive pressure
recycling barriers

How to Cite

Witkowski, J. and Marcinkowski, J. (2026) “Regulatory stimulators and economic - managerial barriers to the development of circular supply chains for plastics”, Economics and Environment, 98(3), p. 1249. doi:10.34659/eis.2026.98.3.1249.

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines regulatory stimulators and economic-managerial barriers to developing circular supply chains for plastics within the circular economy framework. Methodology/approach: Comprehensive literature review, analysis of EU and Polish legal regulations, industry reports, and case study of Zakład Gospodarowania Odpadami Gać sp. z o.o. as a circular supply chain link. Findings: Coercive pressure from EU institutions represents the primary stimulator for circular transformation. Key economic barriers include profitability threshold challenges and high investment risks. Regulatory inconsistency and instability hinder long-term partnership development. Only 10-30% of plastic waste undergoes recycling in Poland, significantly below EU targets. Research limitations: Single case study limits generalizability; dynamic regulatory environment affects findings' currency. Practical implications: Need for stable regulations, continuous waste streams, and specialised recycling infrastructure investments. Social implications: High recycling costs disproportionately burden consumers through increased product prices. Originality/value: Provides comprehensive analysis combining regulatory and economic-managerial perspectives with practical insights from waste management.

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References

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