What does it take to close the loop? Lessons from a successful citrus waste valorisation business
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21295887 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Madhura Rao (0000-0001-5617-9693, Maastricht University, corresponding author), Lea Bilić, Lea Galunić Bilić (0000-0002-2840-5734, Maastricht University), Aalt Bast (0000-0002-5383-2789, Maastricht University), Alie de Boer (0000-0002-6500-4649, Maastricht University) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 126 |
| Issue | 13 |
| Pages | 143-161 |
| Publication date | 2024-12-16 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | British Food Journal (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0007-070X • E-ISSN: 1758-4108 |
| Publisher | Emerald (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1108/bfj-08-2023-0700 |
| OpenAlex | W4392558414 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 3 |
| References cited | 56 |
Purpose In this case study, we examine how a citrus peel valorising company based in the Netherlands was able to adopt a circular business model while navigating regulatory, managerial, and supply chain-related barriers. Design/methodology/approach In-depth, semi-structured interviews with key personnel in the company, notes from field observations, photographs of the production process, and documents from a legal judgement served as data for this single, qualitative case study. Data were coded inductively using the in vivo technique and were further developed into four themes and a case description. Findings Results from our study indicate that the regulatory and political contexts in the Netherlands were critical to the company’s success. Like in the case of most fruitful industrial symbioses, partnerships founded on mutual trust and economically appealing value propositions played a crucial role in ensuring commercial viability. Collaborating with larger corporations and maintaining transparent communication with stakeholders were also significant contributing factors. Lastly, employees’ outlook towards circularity combined with their willingness to learn new skills were important driving factors as well. Originality/value In addition to expanding the scholarship on the adoption of circular business models, this research offers novel insights to policymakers and practitioners. It provides empirical evidence regarding the importance of public awareness, adaptable legislation, and harmonised policy goals for supporting sustainable entrepreneurship in the circular economy
Business · Business model · Circular economy · Entrepreneurship · Judgement · Knowledge management · Legislation · Originality · Political science · Public relations · Qualitative research · Relevance (law) · Sociology · Sustainability · Value (mathematics) · Computer Science · Environmental Sustainability in Business · Marketing · Service and Product Innovation · Sustainable Supply Chain Management
The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Business and Management Research Methods
A typology of circular start-ups
I Ndustrial S Ymbiosis
The circular economy
The food waste hierarchy as a framework for the management of food surplus and food waste
A literature and practice review to develop sustainable business model archetypes
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A safe operating space for humanity
Comparison of Convenience Sampling and Purposive Sampling
Upcycled by-product use in agri-food systems from a consumer perspective
Ambitious food system interventions required to mitigate the risk of exceeding Earth’s environmental limits
Energizing a transformation to a circular bioeconomy
Towards sustainability? Forest-based circular bioeconomy business models in Finnish SMEs
Teaching Sustainable Development Goals in The Netherlands
Purposeful Sampling in Qualitative Research Synthesis
| Unique citing works | 3 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 3 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2026 (2) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 2 |