The circular economy and closed loop supply chains: educating smartphone consumers on the strategies in place to reduce electronic waste

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to present the benefit of educating smartphone consumers on the strategies in place to reduce electronic waste. To assess this, the report inspected the circular economy strategy that is currently at the forefront of global sustainability. Furthermore, greater inspection was undertaken into closed loop supply chains within business and their environmental benefit. Using primary research to gather feedback from smartphone consumers on their knowledge of e-waste reduction strategies such as closed loop supply chains; the study made evaluations on the advantage of consumers understanding their importance of reducing e-waste. In addition, in contrast to academic literature presented as secondary research, assessment was undertaken into the lack of knowledge in similar reports on the debate of consumer’s perceptions of e-waste and this formed the basis for the investigation. Primary research was undertaken through a questionnaire method of data collection, from a target audience of smartphone consumers below the age of 35 in an attempt to get a better representation of results, as it is that age group who are the highest consumers of smartphones in the UK. The research presented that smartphone consumers below 35 would be more motivated to participate in sustainability strategies such as closed loop supply chains if they understood how they worked. This was therefore significant and complimentary to the theory behind this investigation. Conclusions draw on the practicality of the methodologies used and evaluate the correspondence between secondary material and primary data, before stating possibilities for future research.