Abstract:
1. Introduction
Plastic pollution has become a significant environmental issue for countries
like Sri Lanka, which is ranked the fifth most crucial contributor to plastic
pollution. Local plastic manufacturers face substantial challenges,
particularly in managing waste, leading to serious environmental and social
impacts. The Meethotamulla landfill disaster highlights the risks of
inadequate waste management. Reverse logistics (RL) offers an effective
approach to improving sustainability by managing waste and reducing the
environmental impact of plastic production. This study investigates the
effect of RL practices on the sustainable performance of plastic
manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka.
2. Research Methodology
The study used a survey method to collect data from 119 administrative-
level staff at plastic manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka. The data were
analysed employing IBM SPSS 21, and the results were interpreted. This
study investigates how such RL practices impact the economic,
environmental, and social performance of plastic manufacturers in Sri
Lanka through different regression models that test the relationship of
these practices with aspects of sustainability.
3. Findings and Discussion
The findings emphasized that recycling has a more significant impact on
economic performance than others, as it significantly influences cost
savings and opportunities for further revenue. Reuse, on the other hand,
contributes to better environmental performance as it reduces waste and
saves resources. Besides, remanufacturing and recycling have various
positive impacts on social performance, such as creating jobs and reducing
adverse effects of plastic pollution on communities.
4. Conclusion and Implications
Overall, these findings depict that the adoption of RL practices can
significantly enhance the sustainability of plastic manufacturing
companies, with economic benefits, environmental improvement, and a
corresponding contribution to social well-being. These findings will
provide a set of clear guidelines for policymakers and industry leaders to
make informed decisions about fostering sustainability in Sri Lanka
