Skip to Main Content
HBS Home
  • About
  • Academic Programs
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Research
  • Baker Library
  • Giving
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Initiatives
  • News
  • Recruit
  • Map / Directions
Faculty & Research
  • Faculty
  • Research
  • Featured Topics
  • Academic Units
  • …→
  • Harvard Business School→
  • Faculty & Research→
Publications
Publications
  • Article
  • California Management Review

The Growing Strategic Importance of End-of-Life Product Management

By: Michael W. Toffel
  • Format:Print
ShareBar

Abstract

Requiring manufacturers to manage the their products when they become waste is an innovative form of regulation, one that has been adopted by countries in Asia, Europe, and North America on a variety of products that range from vehicles to appliances to batteries. However, even in many unregulated industries, some manufacturers are voluntarily assuming more responsibility for their end-of-life products, driven by customer demand and cost efficiencies. This article explores various forms of take-back regulation and highlights some of the key features of the institutions that emerge in response. In addition, six strategic product recovery alternatives are presented, followed by a discussion of some factors managers should consider in developing a take-back strategy.

Keywords

Product; Environmental Sustainability; Cost Management; Wastes and Waste Processing; Strategy; Governing Rules, Regulations, and Reforms; Manufacturing Industry; Asia; Europe; North and Central America

Citation

Toffel, Michael W. "The Growing Strategic Importance of End-of-Life Product Management." California Management Review 45, no. 3 (Spring 2003): 102–129.
  • Find it at Harvard
  • Read Now

About The Author

Michael W. Toffel

Technology and Operations Management
→More Publications

More from the Author

    • 2025
    • Faculty Research

    How Firms Respond to Worker Activism: Evidence from Global Supply Chains

    By: Yanhua Bird, Jodi L. Short and Michael W. Toffel
    • May 2025
    • Faculty Research

    Calyx Global: Rating Carbon Credits

    By: Michael W. Toffel and Adam Chen
    • April 2025
    • Faculty Research

    Arla Foods: Data-Driven Decarbonization (A) and (B) PowerPoint Supplement

    By: Michael Parzen, Michael W. Toffel and Susan Pinckney
More from the Author
  • How Firms Respond to Worker Activism: Evidence from Global Supply Chains By: Yanhua Bird, Jodi L. Short and Michael W. Toffel
  • Calyx Global: Rating Carbon Credits By: Michael W. Toffel and Adam Chen
  • Arla Foods: Data-Driven Decarbonization (A) and (B) PowerPoint Supplement By: Michael Parzen, Michael W. Toffel and Susan Pinckney
ǁ
Campus Map
Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field
Boston, MA 02163
→Map & Directions
→More Contact Information
  • Make a Gift
  • Site Map
  • Jobs
  • Harvard University
  • Trademarks
  • Policies
  • Accessibility
  • Digital Accessibility
Copyright © President & Fellows of Harvard College.