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Exploratory Survey—The Role of Traceability Systems in Quality Assurance and Advancement of the Circular Economy for Recycled Plastics in Australia

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Plastic recycling is critical to transitioning toward a circular economy (CE), yet traceability systems for recycled plastics remain unevenly adopted. While effective traceability supports transparency, compliance, and supply chain accountability, its implementation is shaped not only by technological readiness but also by organisational behaviours and strategic priorities. This study explores how traceability adoption is influenced by company size, internal CE strategy, and perceptions of cost, risk, and regulatory demand. A survey of 65 Australian industry stakeholders reveals that 76% of companies with a CE strategy have implemented traceability systems, compared to 42% without. Larger firms report higher adoption rates than small and medium enterprises, largely due to resource advantages and differing interpretations of traceability’s value. Key barriers include high perceived costs, lack of standardised frameworks, and scepticism toward digital tools. Conversely, motivations such as reputational benefits, regulatory alignment, and inter-organisational trust were identified as enablers, alongside emerging technologies like blockchain and chemical tracers. The findings underscore the role of organisational context in shaping traceability practices and highlight the need for tailored interventions. Recommendations include financial incentives, harmonised standards, and sector-specific guidance that address not only technical gaps but behavioural and structural factors limiting uptake. Positioning traceability as an integrated organisational strategy may accelerate its adoption and support broader circular economy outcomes across the plastics value chain.

Source: Clean Technologies

DOI: 10.3390/cleantechnol7040103

Authors: Benjamin Gazeau, Atiq Zaman, Roberto Minnuno, Faiz Uddin Ahmed Shaikh

Institution: Curtin University

Language: English

Topic: Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Subfield: Strategy and Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,930