Circular value chain blind spot - A scoping review of the 9R framework in consumption

This paper identifies the Circular Value Chain Blind Spot in consumer behavior research on Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). A scoping review was conducted to ascertain the current state of research regarding consumer behavior in handling WEEE concerning circular or transformational and linear behaviors. By evaluating 122 articles from databases including Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), and ProQuest the findings reveal a notable focus on three key strategies among the 9 R framework: recycle, repair, and reuse. Recycling emerges as the predominant area of research, while circular transformation strategies and linear concepts are also explored. Unexpectedly, concrete consumer action strategies are underrepresented, with a primary emphasis on companies and governments. As consumers are recognized as crucial actors within the circular economy (CE), this paper terms this contradictory state as the Circular Value Chain Blind Spot. Addressing future research, the paper concludes with a comprehensive research agenda encompassing six key areas: nudging, differentiation, systemic perspective, waste hierarchy, value chain strategies, and cultural factors. By adopting this research agenda, we anticipate overcoming the Circular Value Chain Blind Spot and fostering equal consideration of all stakeholders involved in the WEEE problematic.