Multicriteria analysis of the barriers to reverse logistics for electronic waste: a Brazilian perspective

Purpose This article aims to identify and analyze the interrelations among the barriers to implementing and managing reverse logistics systems for electronic waste in Brazil and to propose actions to mitigate these barriers. Design/methodology/approach A literature review was conducted to identify barriers to implementing reverse logistics for electronic waste. Then, the ISM/MICMAC method was used to analyze their interrelations. To this end, twelve experts from academia and industry were consulted, who evaluated the interrelations between the barriers and proposed measures to mitigate them. Findings Thirty-six barriers to reverse logistics for electronic waste were identified and categorized into eight groups: policy and regulatory, infrastructure, sociocultural, socioeconomic, technological, financial, managerial or organizational, and product-related. Policy and regulatory barriers held the highest degree of influence, followed by Sociocultural and Socioeconomic variables. In contrast, Infrastructure barriers were identified as the only dependent variable by MICMAC analysis. To mitigate these barriers, a set of actions was suggested, including adopting Industry 4.0 technologies for product tracking, modularization of product components, and other measures related to the circular economy. Originality/value The originality of this study lies in conducting an analysis from the Brazilian perspective, an emerging country, as well as proposing actions to mitigate these barriers based on the results of the ISM/MICMAC analysis.