Analyzing Inter-Firm Manufacturing for a Circular Economy and Green Supply Chain Management

Abstract

There has been a paradigm shift in how businesses manufacture products. Inter-firm manufacturing is a relatively new paradigm. This paper examines inter-firm manufacturing and presents an analytical framework in the light of a circular economy and green supply chain management. In developed countries, industry leadership is associated with manufacturing. Industry leaders are taking measures to encourage and prioritize manufacturing and establish new economies and business ecosystems across various industry sectors. This may be in the area of Information and communication technologies, pharma industries, 3D printing, food industries, housing, energy and utilities, businesses and financial services, and media. Today, various industries are shifting towards eco-friendly and sustainable businesses that align with circular economies and green supply chain management. For that purpose, a different analysis, one that associates performance metrics with an exergy analysis of industries in alignment with a circular economy and green supply chain management is necessary.