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The Fair Circularity Principles in the Informal Waste Sector: PepsiCo Case Study in Vietnam's Informal Waste Sector

Blunt, DuoQuan LU (2023) MTTM01 20231
Packaging Logistics
Abstract
The informal waste sector (IWS) is a global phenomenon involving millions of people engaged in waste management across various industries. Informal waste workers (IWWs) face social issues and lack recognition as legitimate workers, leading to exploitation and limited access to social protection. Despite their crucial role in reducing waste and contributing to a circular economy, IWWs often lack the resources for safe and sustainable waste management. To address these challenges, private sector actors like PepsiCo are embracing the Fair Circularity Principles (FCPs) to promote human rights and environmental sustainability. This thesis explores how PepsiCo can effectively implement the FCPs in Vietnam's IWS and embed human rights due... (More)
The informal waste sector (IWS) is a global phenomenon involving millions of people engaged in waste management across various industries. Informal waste workers (IWWs) face social issues and lack recognition as legitimate workers, leading to exploitation and limited access to social protection. Despite their crucial role in reducing waste and contributing to a circular economy, IWWs often lack the resources for safe and sustainable waste management. To address these challenges, private sector actors like PepsiCo are embracing the Fair Circularity Principles (FCPs) to promote human rights and environmental sustainability. This thesis explores how PepsiCo can effectively implement the FCPs in Vietnam's IWS and embed human rights due diligence (HRDD) in their packaging supply chain. By analyzing PepsiCo's policies, commitments, and stakeholder engagement the research contributes to the understanding of private sector engagement in sustainable waste management practices. The study also provides insights for PepsiCo in promoting social, environmental, and economic benefits for IWWs and local communities. Additionally, the research contributes to the literature on private sector engagement in the circular economy and HRDD. PepsiCo's efforts exemplify responsible business practices, stakeholder engagement, and risk mitigation, offering a practical roadmap for other companies. The findings underscore the importance of inclusive waste management, compliance with human rights standards, and business models that support economic development in the informal waste sector. Future research should evaluate the long-term impacts, explore policy interventions, and enhance HRDD practices to further integrate the informal waste sector into the circular economy. (Less)
Popular Abstract
Did you know that millions of people worldwide are involved in the informal waste sector (IWS)? Unfortunately, many informal waste workers (IWWs) face social issues and lack recognition for their crucial role in reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. Thankfully, the Fair Circularity Principles (FCPs) provide a practical roadmap to address these challenges and drive positive change. Companies like PepsiCo are taking a stand by embracing the FCPs to promote human rights, environmental sustainability, and improve the livelihoods of IWWs.

This study focused on PepsiCo's efforts in Vietnam to understand how they can implement these principles effectively and ensure that their packaging supply chain respects human rights. The study... (More)
Did you know that millions of people worldwide are involved in the informal waste sector (IWS)? Unfortunately, many informal waste workers (IWWs) face social issues and lack recognition for their crucial role in reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. Thankfully, the Fair Circularity Principles (FCPs) provide a practical roadmap to address these challenges and drive positive change. Companies like PepsiCo are taking a stand by embracing the FCPs to promote human rights, environmental sustainability, and improve the livelihoods of IWWs.

This study focused on PepsiCo's efforts in Vietnam to understand how they can implement these principles effectively and ensure that their packaging supply chain respects human rights. The study provided actionable steps for the implementation of the ten FCPs. These actions include engaging with waste pickers, prioritizing safety, assessing human rights impact, and advocating for fair policies.

Implementing the FCPs brings numerous benefits. IWWs and communities experience improved social, economic, and environmental well-being, while companies enhance their sustainability efforts and contribute to a circular economy. This leads to a cleaner, more equitable, and sustainable future for all.

The research provides insights not only for PepsiCo but also for other companies interested in the IWS. By engaging stakeholders, mitigating risks, and embracing inclusive practices, companies can make a difference. PepsiCo's initiatives serve as an excellent example, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder involvement, risk management, and inclusive waste management.

What's fascinating is how companies like PepsiCo go beyond expectations. They involve waste pickers, advocate for fair trade practices, and consider gender equality. By addressing systemic issues and promoting social and environmental responsibility, they demonstrate the comprehensive nature of the FCPs.

The study analyzed PepsiCo's policies, commitments, and stakeholder engagement to explore the effective implementation of the FCPs and ensure human rights due diligence in their packaging supply chain. By aligning sustainability goals, engaging stakeholders, advocating for fair policies, improving operations, and monitoring progress, companies contribute to a more equitable and environmentally conscious future. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Blunt, DuoQuan LU
supervisor
organization
course
MTTM01 20231
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Informal Waste Workers, Human Rights Due Diligence, Vietnam, Circular Economy, Extended Producer Responsibility, Fair Circularity
language
English
id
9129771
date added to LUP
2023-06-26 16:14:52
date last changed
2023-06-26 16:14:52
@misc{9129771,
  abstract     = {{The informal waste sector (IWS) is a global phenomenon involving millions of people engaged in waste management across various industries. Informal waste workers (IWWs) face social issues and lack recognition as legitimate workers, leading to exploitation and limited access to social protection. Despite their crucial role in reducing waste and contributing to a circular economy, IWWs often lack the resources for safe and sustainable waste management. To address these challenges, private sector actors like PepsiCo are embracing the Fair Circularity Principles (FCPs) to promote human rights and environmental sustainability. This thesis explores how PepsiCo can effectively implement the FCPs in Vietnam's IWS and embed human rights due diligence (HRDD) in their packaging supply chain. By analyzing PepsiCo's policies, commitments, and stakeholder engagement the research contributes to the understanding of private sector engagement in sustainable waste management practices. The study also provides insights for PepsiCo in promoting social, environmental, and economic benefits for IWWs and local communities. Additionally, the research contributes to the literature on private sector engagement in the circular economy and HRDD. PepsiCo's efforts exemplify responsible business practices, stakeholder engagement, and risk mitigation, offering a practical roadmap for other companies. The findings underscore the importance of inclusive waste management, compliance with human rights standards, and business models that support economic development in the informal waste sector. Future research should evaluate the long-term impacts, explore policy interventions, and enhance HRDD practices to further integrate the informal waste sector into the circular economy.}},
  author       = {{Blunt, DuoQuan}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{The Fair Circularity Principles in the Informal Waste Sector: PepsiCo Case Study in Vietnam's Informal Waste Sector}},
  year         = {{2023}},
}