Colloquia

Summary

This thesis aims to develop a framework that supports the establishment of an ecosystem configuration which enables the generation of a corresponding implementation plan for the introduction of reusable glass packaging into a value chain.

For an ecosystem for reusable packaging, an initial background research is necessary. This background research has revealed different levels of interaction. The Macro and Meso levels cover the indirect and direct entities that will interact with the ecosystem for reusable glass packaging, whereas the Micro level entails the identified responsibilities necessary to create a viable ecosystem.

The findings for each of these levels have been combined in an accessible tool, further referred to as “framework”, that can be used to support the establishment of an ecosystem configuration for reusable glass packaging suitable for a specific value chain in the food industry. To evaluate the applicability and usability of the framework, it has been put into practice through a case study. The case study is executed for the chocolate spread content producer Brinkers Food, with the goal to generate an ecosystem configuration for a reusable packaging for their own brands (La Vida Vegan and So Vegan So Fine), combined with a corresponding implementation roadmap.

The framework is used to establish two comparable overviews of 1) the current and 2) the reuse ecosystem configuration from an internal and external point of view. The first overview is established through desk research and expert interviews. The second overview is established through interactive sessions with entities present in the value chain and by interviewing experts. To establish the implementation roadmap, the current and future situation have been compared which has led to the identification of the steps needed to facilitate the transition between the two situations. These steps have been combined in a 5-phase roadmap that guides the subject of the case study, Brinkers Food, through the implementation process of introducing reusable glass packaging into their value chain.

To conclude this thesis, the applicability and usability of the framework have been evaluated. This has led to the identification of several limitations of both the case study and the framework itself. Based on these limitations, the framework is improved and recommendations for future research have been established. The final result of this thesis is the improved version of the framework, including interactive elements, which can be used to support the establishment of an ecosystem configuration for the introduction of reusable packaging into the value chain.