Circular Plastic Flows in a Heavy-Truck Value Chain : A Conceptual Reverse Logistics Framework

Sammanfattning

This thesis investigates how plastic waste circularity can be improved within a heavy-truck value chain through the development of a conceptual logistics system for collecting and sorting waste. The aim of the study was to design a logistics framework for plastic-waste collection and sorting across the value chain and assess its economic benefits under low-volume conditions. The study addressed two research questions concerning the logistics requirements needed to enable an effective collection and sorting system and the economic benefits such a system can provide under low waste volumes. The research was conducted as a mixed-method case study using an abductive and interactive research approach. Empirical data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, sample collections, internal company data, and quantitative waste-volume data from Excel and Power BI. Through workshops, data was analysed using thematic analysis supported by the Gioia methodology. The analysis identified seven key logistical factors required to support plastic circularity, including actor coordination, source- based collection, sorting logic, consolidation, transport efficiency, storage capacity, and material traceability. The findings indicate that low and fragmented plastic flows create operational and economic barriers, making coordination and volume consolidation essential conditions for circularity. The study further shows that economic feasibility depends on balancing operational efforts with the value created through improved material utilization and circular flows. The study concludes that plastic circularity should be approached as a coordinated value-chain system rather than isolated waste management activities, where structured reverse flows create the foundation for more feasible and scalable circular solutions.