Implementation of circular economy approaches in the electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) sector: Barriers, enablers and policy insights

Circular economy business models (CBMs) are identified as important levers in the transition to a circular economy (CE). In recent years, a growing body of research has examined the barriers and enablers to these models, however, the available empirical evidence is still limited while sector-specific assessments are lacking. Our study aims to enrich the research in this field by identifying barriers and enablers to the implementation of a variety of CBMs in the electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) sector. Based on this analysis, we provide several policy insights. The EEE sector has been chosen as the focus of this study as a sector with large untapped potential in implementing circularity practices. The study adopts a multi-case study approach and uses a sample of 31 cases developed through the CIRC4Life EU-funded project and the snowball sampling method. To our knowledge, this represents the largest case study sample used to examine CE approaches in the EEE sector. Our findings show that despite the various policy instruments in place to boost the CE transition in this sector, there exist gaps which require policy attention. These include lack of rules for transparency across supply chains, weak enforcement of EU waste legislation rules, limited use of circularity criteria in public tenders and lack of CE standards. Inconsistent requirements stemming from different policy domains can also pose challenges for companies adopting CE practices. Among the suggested actions that can facilitate CE practices include knowledge sharing platforms and business partnerships, R&D project grants, product CE labels, financial incentives and awareness-raising campaigns.