AbstractPurpose – Linear industrial packaging (LIP) is regarded as a major contributor to theenvironmental impact of products and supply chains. The field of research has identified threethemes that facilitate the utilization of circular industrial packaging (CIP), advocating itsimplementation to reduce environmental impact of the packaging process. Research hashowever only presented the desired objectives regarding each theme, leaving gaps in examiningfactors that facilitates the transition from LIP to CIP. Therefore, the purpose of this study is toinvestigate factors facilitating the transition from LIP to CIP, focusing on the already identifiedthemes.

Method – This study is of exploratory nature, based on a qualitative single case study withquantitative features. The case study was conducted at a Swedish engine manufacturingcompany where the unit of analysis was to investigate factors facilitating the transition fromLIP to CIP, focusing on the pre-identified themes. The primary data for this study was collectedthrough interviews, which was complemented and affirmed by a document study which servedas a secondary source of data. Collected data was transcribed and analysed via a thematicanalysis.

Findings – The findings presented the empirical data from three perspectives. How each subtheme was addressed when operating LIP, how each sub-theme is addressed when operatingCIP, and what changes were implemented during the transition from LIP to CIP, regarding eachsub-theme. Analysing the changes made eventually led to the identification of facilitatingfactors.

Limitations – The study posed several limitations, the transition from LIP to CIP has spannedseveral years. Therefore, it proved challenging to find interview participants who had been withthe case company since the start of the transition. Consequently, most interviewees have onlybeen part of some stages in the transition. A single case study was conducted which limit thegeneralisability of the results. Additionally, addressing each pre-identified theme consequentlyinvolves a somewhat broad investigation of their implications.

Keywords – Linear industrial packaging (LIP), Circular industrial packaging (CIP), facilitatingfactors, recycling, transition.