Effect of plastic recycling practices on supply chain performance: Evidence from Coca-Cola Kwanza LTD, Tanzania

Daniel Nahom Lyimo; Paul Maganga Nsimbila

doi:10.51867/ajernet.7.3.12

Authors

Daniel Nahom Lyimo Mzumbe University, Tanzania
Paul Maganga Nsimbila Mzumbe University, Tanzania https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2415-8542

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.7.3.12

Keywords:

Circular Economy, Coca-Cola Kwanza Ltd, Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM), Plastic Recycling, Resource-Based View (RBV), Supply Chain Performance

Abstract

This study examined the effect of plastic recycling practices on supply chain performance at Coca-Cola Kwanza Ltd., Tanzania. Guided by the Resource-Based View (RBV), Ecological Modernization Theory (EMT), and Systems Theory, the study adopted a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Purposive sampling was employed to select participants with relevant knowledge and experience in plastic recycling and supply chain operations. Quantitative data were collected from 90 employees through structured questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained from 10 plastic bottle collectors and key company informants using semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression in SPSS, whereas qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that plastic recycling practices significantly improve supply chain performance through their economic, environmental, and social contributions. Economic impact was the strongest predictor of supply chain performance (β = 0.412, p < 0.001), followed by environmental influence (β = 0.325, p < 0.001) and social implications (β = 0.290, p < 0.001). The regression model explained 61.6% of the variation in supply chain performance (R² = 0.616), indicating substantial explanatory power. The study concludes that integrating plastic recycling into supply chain operations enhances operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, and stakeholder value creation, thereby strengthening organizational competitiveness. The study recommends that Coca-Cola Kwanza Ltd. and policymakers strengthen investments in plastic recycling infrastructure, reverse logistics systems, and stakeholder partnerships to advance sustainable supply chain management in Tanzania.

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https://doi.org/10.1177/0734242X221123486