Abstract
Purpose: This study examines regulatory stimulators and economic-managerial barriers to developing circular supply chains for plastics within the circular economy framework. Methodology/approach: Comprehensive literature review, analysis of EU and Polish legal regulations, industry reports, and case study of Zakład Gospodarowania Odpadami Gać sp. z o.o. as a circular supply chain link. Findings: Coercive pressure from EU institutions represents the primary stimulator for circular transformation. Key economic barriers include profitability threshold challenges and high investment risks. Regulatory inconsistency and instability hinder long-term partnership development. Only 10-30% of plastic waste undergoes recycling in Poland, significantly below EU targets. Research limitations: Single case study limits generalizability; dynamic regulatory environment affects findings' currency. Practical implications: Need for stable regulations, continuous waste streams, and specialised recycling infrastructure investments. Social implications: High recycling costs disproportionately burden consumers through increased product prices. Originality/value: Provides comprehensive analysis combining regulatory and economic-managerial perspectives with practical insights from waste management.