Integrating Circular Economy and Reverse Logistics into the Quality Management Systems: Evidence from Polish SMEs

Dariusz Krzywda; Joanna Krzywda

doi:10.2478/czoto-2026-0018

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Integrating Circular Economy and Reverse Logistics into the Quality Management Systems: Evidence from Polish SMEs

System Safety: Human - Technical Facility - Environment

Volume 8 (2026): Issue 1 (January 2026)

By: Dariusz Krzywda and Joanna Krzywda

Open Access

|Apr 2026

Abstract

This article examines how circular economy (CE) and reverse logistics (RL) practices can be integrated into quality management systems (QMS) in SMEs. Although CE and RL are key components of sustainability, their linkage with formal quality frameworks remains insufficiently explored. This exploratory study proposes an original integration model, investigates the current level of alignment, and identifies organizational barriers. Based on survey data from 37 Polish enterprises, the paper verifies research hypotheses regarding the synergy between circularity and quality management. The findings offer practical insights for practitioners seeking to enhance process reliability through a combined application of circular and quality approaches

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/czoto-2026-0018 | Journal eISSN: 2657-5450

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Language: English

Page range: 189 - 201

Submitted on: Jan 29, 2026

Accepted on: Apr 7, 2026

Published on: Apr 18, 2026

Published by: Quality and Production Managers Association

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Publication frequency: 1 issue per year

Keywords:

circular economy,

reverse logistics,

quality management systems,

process integration,

operational improvement

Related subjects:

Business and economics,

Business management,

Business management, other,

Engineering,

Mechanical engineering,

Production technology,

Social sciences,

Sociology,

Sociology of science, technology, and environment,

Communication science,

Interpersonal communication

© 2026 Dariusz Krzywda, Joanna Krzywda, published by Quality and Production Managers Association
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Volume 8 (2026): Issue 1 (January 2026)