Literature Review on Sustainable Plastic Business Models

The study explores business models that promote sustainable plastic management (SPM), emphasizing waste reduction, recycling, and alternative materials. Through a systematic review of 44 cases, it identifies how businesses align with sustainability goals across the waste hierarchy, focusing mainly on recycling (55% of cases) and developing bioplastics (36%). The review highlights the use of business model components such as value propositions, customer interfaces, and infrastructure to create solutions.

Key findings reveal that most business models prioritize environmental and economic benefits, such as reducing raw material use, minimizing emissions, and lowering production costs by utilizing waste streams. However, social sustainability remains underrepresented, with only 32% of cases addressing aspects like community engagement, health and safety improvements, or job creation. Circular economy principles—seen in 25% of cases—are applied through strategies like take-back mechanisms, resource recovery, and designing products for longevity.

The study also identifies critical drivers for SPM adoption, including rising consumer demand for eco-friendly products, regulatory pressures, competitive differentiation, and cost savings from using recycled or renewable inputs. For startups, entrepreneurial motivation and first-mover advantage in niche markets are significant factors. On the other hand, larger corporations benefit from established infrastructure and economies of scale but often prioritize financial over environmental or social goals.

Barriers include high implementation costs for new systems and technologies, insufficient customer awareness or buy-in, and difficulties integrating sustainable practices into existing supply chains. Technological challenges, such as maintaining material quality in recycling or developing scalable bioplastics, also hinder progress. Additionally, competition from traditional businesses and inadequate government support create further challenges for SPM initiatives.

The study concludes that while SPM offers significant potential to reduce environmental harm, its success depends on broader adoption of circular economy strategies, increased collaboration among stakeholders, and stronger focus on social sustainability. Future research should expand on industry practices, assess enabling conditions, and systematically measure environmental impacts.