Cluster Analysis of Circular Economy and Industrial Symbiosis Practices and Their Impact on Sustainability Performance in the Plastics Industry
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22418528 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Laura Cristina Ramírez‐Rodríguez (0000-0003-0745-1210, Tecnun School of Engineering University of Navarra San Sebastián Spain, corresponding author), Rafael Mora‐Contreras (0000-0002-1071-2461, Tecnun School of Engineering University of Navarra San Sebastián Spain), Carmen Jaca (0000-0002-8438-5387, Tecnun School of Engineering University of Navarra San Sebastián Spain), Marta Ormazábal (0000-0002-3602-3912, Tecnun School of Engineering University of Navarra San Sebastián Spain) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Publication date | 2026-03-30 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Business Strategy and the Environment (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0964-4733 • E-ISSN: 1099-0836 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1002/bse.70807 |
| OpenAlex | W7143615474 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 95 |
This study examines how plastics manufacturing firms can be classified according to their level of implementation of circular economy ( CE ) and industrial symbiosis (IS) practices and how such adoption influences sustainability performance. Using data from plastics manufacturing firms, we integrate cluster analysis with partial least squares structural equation modeling to capture firm‐level heterogeneity and examine practice–performance relationships. The analysis reveals three key archetypes: reactive and isolated, emerging planners and network explorers, and executors and network builders. Results show that higher adoption of CE and IS practices is positively related to all performance dimensions. Effects are strongest on environmental and social outcomes, whereas economic gains remain significant but comparatively lower, suggesting a reliance on longer‐term systemic enablers. By linking firm heterogeneity with sustainability outcomes, this study advances understanding of circular transition pathways in the plastics sector and provides actionable guidance for managers and policymakers in line with the European Union's Circular Economy Action Plan.
Business cluster · Circular economy · Industrial ecology · Industrial Symbiosis · Structural equation modeling · Sustainability · Sustainable development · Recycling and Waste Management Techniques · Sustainable Industrial Ecology · Sustainable Supply Chain Management
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| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |