Creating value with wastes : a model and typology of sustainability within firms

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to construct a model and propose a typology of residual materialreclamation practices in manufacturing facilities. The qualitative study based on in-depthinterviews with 60 managers demonstrated that residual material reclamation can be charac-terized by six key dimensions associated with the recovery and transformation of residuals:reclaiming goals, reclaiming scope, awareness of activities, manufacturing processes,environmental management and variety of materials used. The analysis of each dimensionfrom a managerial point of view suggests ¿ve types of residual material reclamation: craft,broad consolidated, narrow consolidated, broad leverage and narrow leverage. The model andtypology expand our understanding of residual material reclamation activities withinorganizations actively involved in sustainable initiatives. This study contributes to proposingan analytical framework aimed at understanding how practices concerning residual materialreclamation are managed. Implications for organizational research and management are alsodiscussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.