Effects of Sustainable Business Networks on the Environmentally Sound Management of Chemicals in Zimbabwe

Despite the formulation of policy frameworks and awareness on hazardous chemical management, practical implementation at organisational level remains a challenge in Zimbabwe. Participation in inter-organisational networks has been shown to have a catalytic role in some contexts. Sustainable business networks such as the Business Council for Sustainable Development Zimbabwe (BCSDZ) have undertaken programmes to promote safe chemical management andchemical leasing. This research paper assesses the effects of sustainable business networks on circular economy (CE) through implementation of safe chemical management and chemical leasing programmes in Zimbabwe. The research paper is based on forty (40) companies drawn from the industrial, manufacturing and mining sectors in Zimbabwe. A total of 50% of the companiesassessed were selected because they participated in the safe chemical management programme called responsible production toolkit training and chemical leasing training during the period of 2018 to 2023, whilst the other 50% selected were not participants in any chemical management initiative to provide a comparison group to enable causal inferences. The study employed direct observation of chemical management practices, interviews with key informantsand content analysis. Barriers and challenges identified included high chemical intensity, higher proportion of chemical accidents, inadequate provision of personal protective equipment (PPE), lack of clear policies on chemical management, lack of adequate technical capacity on chemicalmanagement, use of foreign languages in some material safety data sheets (MSDS), incompatible chemical storage practices, lack of proper labelling of chemicals, inadequate implementation of chemical compatibility charts and inadequate documentation of successful case studies. Implementation of chemical risk assessment increased from 20 to 70% due to network participation.Chemical inventorying implementation increased from 15 to 50% amongst firms that participated in safe chemical management programmes. Chemical labelling practices increased from 55 to 85% due to increased participation in network-induced chemical management programmes. Chemical leasing implementation remained largely unchanged even with access to training. We conclude that network participation enhanced chemical management practices dueto the implementation of the responsible production toolkit. However, the impact of network participation on adoption of chemical leasing is low in Zimbabwe due to external contextual factors such as policy, perception, legal and financial barriers

Industrial clusters as a vehicle for circular economy transition: A case study of networks in four industrial clusters in Zimbabwe

Multiple stakeholder partnerships are required to attain a Circular Economy (CE). Circularity can be achieved through industrial clusters in geographical proximity to each other. This research aims to assess the effects of industrial clustering on the adoption of CE in Zimbabwe (Workington, Southerton, Willowvale and Stapleford) in order to develop strategies for strengthening the impact of collaboration on CE practices in industry. The Workington and Southerton clusters were assessed as a joint cluster due to regular joint programming, whereas Willowvale and Stapleford were assessed separately. Interviews, document reviews and site visits were undertaken at selected members within the industrial clusters to understand some CE initiatives being carried out. A waste auditing programme was evaluated, resulting in ecological and economic benefits. Whilst many organisations were located in clusters, not all of them participated in CE activities. The Workington-Southerton cluster consisted of twenty-five (25) active members mainly dominated by private sector organisations in the manufacturing sector whilst Willowvale cluster had four (4) active members and Stapleford had nine (9) active members from industry and community network at the time of assessment. The main types of industries included food and beverages, fertiliser, metal fabrication, cable manufacturing, seed processing. Engineering, transport and bone char production. Collaboration based on geographical proximity allowed the organisations to undertake training, capacity building, workshops and industrial symbiosis. Implementation of the Industrial Waste Auditing Project (IWAP) by the networks, facilitated adoption of CE measures and presented an opportunity of improved waste recycling. It is concluded that geographical proximity can be used as an opportunity to facilitate attainment of a Circular Economy, but on its own is not a determinant of network success. Deeper issues of legal status, governance, value adding activities and financial viability - determine the ultimate impact of industrial clusters. We conclude that due to geographical proximity, there are opportunities of promoting industrial symbiosis. However, these opportunities need financing, technical capacity, governance and external support. Theoretical contributions of the research relate to the need for hybrid financing models to support CE activities and governance frameworks that provide oversight on industrial clusters. Further theoretical contributions relate to the new forms association beyond idiosyncratic organisations and advancing the need for measurable effects of collaboration using hybrid financing. Our theoretical contributions reveal new insights in governance and ownership of networks, especially how this can affect the delivery of CE activities.</p

The role of sustainable business networks in promoting a Circular Economy in Africa—A systematic literature review

In order to achieve transition toward a Circular Economy (CE), multiple stakeholder partnerships are required. Although the CE shows proven potential and impact, the implementation is still very low in developing and transition countries. The role of networks in promoting the CE is assessed, including the impact which network participation has on the implementation of a CE at company level. Although firm level capabilities can be enhanced by network participation, a lot of knowledge gaps exist regarding the orientation and structure of networks; governance models for networks and the high impact activities that can be implemented. A systematic literature review was undertaken to characterize the role of sustainable business networks in green industrial transformation. The approach to literature review included keyword search, title analysis, search title analysis, abstract analysis and systematic review of contents for full review of 50 research articles from Web of Science, Scopus and literature. Barriers, cognitions and challenges in the operation of sustainable business networks were clearly analyzed, including knowledge gaps existing in literature. Database search and document review was undertaken to determine the role and impact of sustainable business networks in promoting a CE in comparison to idiosyncratic organizations without any affiliation. The review enabled determination of the policies which promote sustainable business networks, network structure, governance, and success factors. We conclude that sustainable business networks have an impact on the CE transformation in selected African countries. Implementation success could be explained by contextual factors within sustainable business network boundaries. This article is categorized under: Climate and Environment &gt; Pollution Prevention Climate and Environment &gt; Circular Economy Policy and Economics &gt; Green Economics and Financing.</p

Financing and Business Models for Scaling Up Sustainable Business Networks—Building a Circular Economy

Transition towards a circular economy (CE) requires collaboration amongst stakeholders. Sustainable Business Networks bring together different organisations to learn and disseminate CE innovations. However, without proper financing models, networks struggle to survive and attain financial independence. In this paper, we explore the different models which are used by African networks to finance their activities. The methodological approach involved nine case studies from three African countries (Zimbabwe, Kenya and South Africa) and selected regional networks. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with key informants of the networks, and a questionnaire was sent to each network. Content analysis of networks was undertaken, and documents were assessed for each network in order to evaluate network activities under different funding regimes. The main funding models that were observed include membership subscriptions, donor funding, conference fees for network events, consultancy services, crowdfunding and selling knowledge products. The challenge of low payments of subscriptions is common in all countries, and networks devised innovative ways of generating funds such as consultancy fees for services rendered by the network. We conclude that there is still a high level of involvement of donor agencies in financing Sustainable Business Networks. However, this donor-funded approach is failing to steer networks to sustainability beyond projects and programmes which involve networking. Based on the existing literature and the information collected during the interviews, it was possible to recommend a hybrid financing model that is based in two crucial elements, (i) on country specific actors and (ii) on ownership of the network at national level

Enterprise development through networks:a case study of PETRECOZIM and the beverages sector networks in Zimbabwe

Inter-organisational networks contribute towards attainment of a Circular Economy (CE). Through effective collaboration, enterprise development can be achieved. In Zimbabwe, plastic waste, mainly PET is a major challenge in the quest for attaining sustainable development of the country. This research focuses on the role of collaboration between bottlers, manufacturers and brand owners in facilitating enterprise development in the context of waste recycling. A case study research design was undertaken of a PET Recycling Company commonly known as PETRECOZIM, which is located on the southern part of Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe. Interviews were undertaken with key informants and experts in the field of waste management. Document review was carried out on key documentation from the recycling centre in order to assess activities, business models, barriers, challenges, opportunities and core aspects of the operations of PETRECOZIM. The research concludes that organisations can collaborate as private sector players in a particular economic sector such as beverages, manufacturing and brand owners; to form enterprises that can thrive and undertake recycling activities. The research concludes that networks can facilitate enterprise development and self-regulation. It can also be concluded that in certain contexts, networks can operate without external interference and yield significant benefits in circular economy thematic areas such as waste management. The research also concludes that the business model of recycling networks requires blended financing models beyond network partners of one sector, to ensure sustainability. Key barriers identified include lack of participation in the network by organisations which operate in the bottling sector, but are not part of the PETRECOZIM initiative. These firms also lack technical capacity for advanced PET recycling as well as lack of financing to complete recycling stages beyond bales and flakes. The research also concludes that in order to attain circularity and “close the loop”, PETRECOZIM should recycle the waste further into usable products. The Case study also concludes that, without the support of the network members who finance the enterprise PETRECOZIM, its survival is not guaranteed beyond the network. It is recommended that, networks develop models which are sustainable beyond network support, in order to ensure long-term viability