Exploring Factors Affecting Sustainable End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling System: a Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Production of automobiles is continuously on the rise in India. This growth in vehicle production increased the generation of end-of-life vehicles. End-of-life vehicle recycling has become a very serious issue in India from environmental, economic, and sustainability perspectives. Hence, it is vital to identify the factors and explore their impact on a sustainable end-of-life vehicle recycling system. The study aims to analyze the relationship among the factors of a sustainable end-of-life vehicle recycling system. This study identified seven factors and developed a conceptual model based on a literature review. A survey of stakeholders in Maharashtra and Gujarat was conducted from February 2022 to October 2022. For this purpose, a questionnaire was distributed online through a Google form link. Structural equation modeling methodology was used to analyze the data of 150 stakeholders and develop the measurement and structural models. The results show a strong relation between the sustainable end-of-life vehicle recycling system and its factors, except those based on the direct impact of government policies and socio-economic measures. The study will help to improve the stakeholders' understanding of the important measures that need to be taken to develop a sustainable end-of-life recycling system in India. The study will also aid the policy and decision-makers in designing and implementing policies and procedures related to the end-of-life vehicle recycling industry. The research will also help India contribute significantly to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals drafted by the United Nations for all its member nations or ensure a habitable planet for future generations.