Evaluating the transition towards a circular economy in agri-food supply chains: Examining the role of supply chain integration in the adoption of circular economy practices through the arcs of integration

The circular economy (CE) has emerged as a transformative concept, replacing the traditional take- make-dispose model with a system of sustained regeneration and cyclical flows of materials and energy. Acknowledging its potential to address resource inefficiencies, the CE holds particular significance for agri-food supply chains, given their reliance on finite resources and the pervasive issue of food waste across all supply chain stages. Existing research has highlighted that collaboration and coordination are essential to achieving a systemic shift towards circular supply chains, with enhanced capacity for information and knowledge exchange among supply chain actors being crucial to minimise uncertainty and reduce resource dependence. Although previous studies have underscored the importance of supply chain integration (SCI) in supporting the implementation of CE practices, this concept has largely been explored within the context of conventional linear supply chains. Therefore, this thesis aims to address this limitation by assessing the role of SCI in the transition to a CE within agri-food supply chains. To this end, a multi-case study approach involving six companies in the agri-food sector is employed to highlight the potential of Frohlich and Westbrook’s (2001) arcs of integration as a tool for simultaneously examining the levels of forward and reverse SCI. By identifying the SCI and CE practices implemented by each company, the findings are analysed through the lens of resource orchestration theory (ROT) to evaluate the role of forward and reverse SCI configurations in supporting CE- related activities. Based on the results, three propositions are developed, reflecting the type and degree of SCI. The findings reveal that companies with higher levels of both forward and reverse integration are better positioned to develop and implement CE-related capabilities with suppliers and customers. The thesis concludes with research implications, policy recommendations, contributions to theory and practice, and directions for future research.