ELECTRONIC WASTE REVERSE CHAIN: A GOVERNANCE-BASED MODEL INTEGRATING LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT (LCA)

Resumo

Technological advancement and the obsolescence of electronic equipment have significantly increased the generation of electronic waste (e-waste), with serious environmental and social impacts. The aim of this study is to propose a management and control model that integrates governance principles and current environmental legislation, in order to improve companies’ environmental performance by incorporating the concept of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) into the sustainable management of e-waste. The research adopts a qualitative methodology, based on bibliographic and documentary review. Initially, existing models in the academic literature on e-waste were reviewed, along with an examination of how organizational models for the reverse supply chain have been disseminated. Two industry leaders—Apple® and Samsung®—were selected for analysis. Subsequently, a management tool and evaluation protocols were proposed to classify organizations according to their level of sustainable practices, using the Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology (COBIT®) framework for IT governance as a reference, due to its wide applicability and global acceptance. As results and contributions, this study presents an adaptation for the reverse e-waste chain, with particular emphasis on smartphone and computer batteries, aiming to provide greater visibility and transparency regarding the sustainability policies adopted. The sustainability metric developed was named the Electronic Waste Innovation and Maturity Model (MILE). The study also seeks to advance academic and scientific knowledge by encouraging further research and debate on the need for regulations, the adoption of structured governance and reverse logistics practices that generate environmental and institutional benefits, while at the same time fostering innovation, transparency, and responsible cooperation in managing electronic devices after the end of their life cycle. Future research is planned to further develop and validate the proposed instrument.