Role of MNEs in building zero waste communities

The 2030 agenda of World Trade Organization and Sustainable Development Goals identified by United Nations proposes to engage multinational enterprises (MNEs) in ending poverty and promoting social inclusion by harnessing accountability and social responsibility in their business strategies. In theory, the resource-based view seeks the engagement of international corporations in initiatives like efficient management of waste for environment protection and, in reality, extended producer responsibility (EPR) requires companies to take accountability of the waste they produce. MNEs are expected to effectively manage the packaging and packaging waste they produce to increase the potential of a circular economy that will promote the sustainable growth of developing countries. Limiting the production of waste from activities such as mining or the sale and recovery of packaging from packaged material for recycling and reuse should be a part of the supply chain strategy for every product being sold in global markets. The aim of this chapter is to highlight that solutions for the efficient recovery and management of waste when incorporated within the global supply chain can enhance not only the reputation but also the business performance of MNEs by enabling them to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals.