Proceedings of ICLT 2025
DECOUPLING THROUGH CIRCULARITY: A CROSS-COUNTRY ANALYSIS OF LOCALIZATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR REFURBISHED MOBILE PHONES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
Robert Casper; Poti Chaopaisarn; Trinh Thi Thu Huong; Purim Srisawat; Erik Sundin; Ruth Banomyong
Department of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; Supply Chain and Engineering Management Research Unit, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; Foreign Trade University, School of Economics & International Business, Vietnam; Ramkhamhaeng University, Faculty of Business Administration, Thailand; Division of Manufacturing Engineering, Dept. of Management and Engineering, Linköping University, Sweden; Thammasat Business School, Thammasat University, Thailand
International Conference on Logistics & Transport 2025, Tokyo, Japan, pp. 98-112
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Abstract
Purpose: This paper explores the consumer perception of remanufactured products in three different Southeast Asian countries to investigate the potential of such circular strategies for localization to decouple the local markets from global supply chain strategies. Design/methodology/approach: This paper uses survey research as the key method. A large amount of survey data has been collected in the relevant markets and has been analyzed using a multinomial logistic regression model. Findings: Results are showing similarities between the data from the analyzed countries, such as a high level of price sensitivity and concerns about the battery life. Prior knowledge of remanufacturing strategies has a positive impact on the willingness to opt for such products. Besides the similarities, differences have also been identified, such as a strong behavioral tendency to keep used products in Cambodia, a high level of demand for sufficient information in Thailand, and a high eco-consciousness in Vietnam. Research limitations/implications: This research has local limitations on the three defined markets, as well as product-related limitations on mobile phones. Future research should extend this research to additional ASEAN countries and other product groups. Practical implications: Based on these findings, recommendations on governmental strategies, communication actions, and tailored activities for each market are provided, leading to the potential of localizing remanufacturing busines
Keywords
Decoupling; supply chain risks; circularity; refurbishing; closed-loop supply chain; Southeast Asia
Citation
Robert Casper; Poti Chaopaisarn; Trinh Thi Thu Huong; Purim Srisawat; Erik Sundin; Ruth Banomyong (2025). DECOUPLING THROUGH CIRCULARITY: A CROSS-COUNTRY ANALYSIS OF LOCALIZATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR REFURBISHED MOBILE PHONES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA. Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics & Transport (ICLT 2025), Tokyo, Japan, pp. 98-112.