Developing a Sustainable Business Model Framework for E-Waste Management in Emerging Economies: Evidence from Malaysia

Abstract

Electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, driven by rap-id technological change, shorter product life cycles, and increasing demand for electrical and electronic equipment. In emerging economies, the problem is intensified by fragmented col-lection systems, incomplete reverse logistics, uneven regulatory enforcement, and the contin-ued dominance of informal recovery practices. Although previous studies have examined e-waste from technological, environmental, and policy perspectives, limited attention has been given to the business-model conditions required for formal e-waste enterprises to become eco-nomically viable and environmentally effective. This paper addresses that gap by developing a sustainable business model framework for e-waste management in emerging economies, using qualitative evidence from Malaysia. The study adopts an exploratory qualitative design in-formed by stakeholder interviews, industry observations, documentary review, and strategic synthesis through thematic analysis and SWOT interpretation. The findings show that sustain-able e-waste enterprises are shaped by five interdependent dimensions: regulatory alignment, collection and reverse logistics design, circular value recovery, partnership architecture, and diversified revenue logic. Based on these findings, the paper proposes a framework that con-nects circular economy principles with the operational realities of e-waste enterprise devel-opment in resource-constrained settings. The paper contributes to the literature by shifting attention from policy and recycling technologies alone to business model innovation as a cen-tral mechanism for sustainability transition. The framework also offers practical guidance for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors seeking to strengthen formal e-waste systems in emerging economies.