Kartläggning av företagens användning av de 3R:en

Sammanfattning: Purpose: To map the companies’ use of the specific 3R’s (reuse, remanufacture and recycle) as well as gain an understanding of  the cooperation opportunities between manufacturing organizations and companies that work with the 3R’s:      1) What factors play a role in the companies’ use of the specific 3R’s?    2) Which cooperation opportunities do the companies’ see from a sustainability perspective?   Method: The study was based on a multiple case design which consisted interviews. The interviews were based on companies that manufacture and develop electronic and electrical equipment (EEE) and companies who are engaged in taking care of the used EEE. The study also contained different literature studies in sustainability, which further lead to the creation of the theoretical framework in cooperation with the purpose of the study. Between the theoretical framework and the study's empiricism an analysis could be carried out, which also contributed to the results of the study.   Result: The study has resulted in the identification of several different factors for the specific 3R’s, together with cooperation opportunities between manufacturing organizations of EEE and companies that take care of the consumed EEE based on the specific 3R’s. Where economic sustainability, i.e. profit maximization has been the factor that has permeated a large part of the results, together with some influence from environmental considerations.   Implications: The study does not establish a new theory but bases itself on existing theories that have been tested in reality through interviews. During this study, it has been clear that the economic factors are one of the most important elements that determine how companies choose to work. Profit maximization is such a big factor that it also affects and outweighs environmental considerations when placed against each other. Environmental considerations are usually less considered than profit maximization but should weigh at least as much as profit maximization during the decision-making process.   Limitations: • The study is based only on companies located in Sweden. • This study does not address/treat social sustainability or social considerations. • The study is based on producer companies that manufacture and develop electronic and electrical products as well as companies that work with reuse, remanufacture and recycling of electronic and electrical products.   Key words: Waste management, End of life, supply chain, Life cycle analysis, reverse logistic, Waste electrical and electronic equipment, reuse, remanufacture, recycle.