CSR and handling of WEEE in Finland : case Stena Recycling

Abstract

The question of Corporate Social Responsibility is important as the world is increasing its use of electric and electronic devices and the trend is that the life-cycle of these products is getting shorter and shorter. The amount of WEEE / electronic waste generated is growing as also old equipment expires out of date. This Thesis presents some of the most important theories on the subject and links it to the economic theories on social responsibility. It also presents the logistics process of WEEE.

Further the ethical side of business is revealed and the discussion is reviewed against the results of an interview with a WEEE handling company. The key findings are that ethical business and environmentally sustainable business tend to contribute positively even in financial terms. However, these measures are on a very long-term base and therefore the interest is not that high to invest heavily in CSR.