| Description |
1 online resource (23 pages) : illustrations, charts |
| Series |
Emerald emerging markets case studies, 2045-0629 ; vol. 6, no. 2 |
| Summary |
Returpack is a Hungarian company dealing with reverse vending machines (RVMs) that collect aluminum beverage cans, even in crushed form, based on a worldwide technology innovation. All RVMs are online and monitored and managed remotely. RVMs are mainly "fed" by the poorest, often homeless people, who are still motivated by the extremely low (less than 1 euro cent for a can) incentive that comes from the selling of the aluminum waste to recycling smelters. Based on the success of the business model in Hungary, projects were planned in the USA, Austria, Romania, and Turkey in 2013. However, beyond economic, legal and cultural challenges a dramatic decline in the global aluminum waste prices early in 2014 questioned the ROI at these projects. Advancements in the material-recognition technologies at waste sorting plants raise further questions |
| Notes |
Expected learning outcomes: Evaluating the business model innovation in the case by combining the different approaches of the business model concept with the knowledge on the recycling industry, the crowdsourcing method and the Internet of Things. Based upon this, students may identify and evaluate options for implementing the business model in and adapting to new markets, also by simulating these changes in a formal (numerical) business model |
|
Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details |
| Bibliography |
Includes index and bibliographical references |
| Audience |
This case is designed for MBA groups or students from MSc in Management, International Business, Logistics, Information Systems, or Environmental Management programs. It can be covered in courses on Strategy, Process Management, International Business, Process Management, Supply Chain Management and Managing Information Systems |
| Subject |
Recycling industry -- Hungary
|
|
Environmentalism
|
|
Beverage containers -- Recycling -- Economic aspects
|
| Genre/Form |
Case studies.
|
| Form |
Electronic book
|
| Author |
Drotos, Gyorgy
|
|
