Decision-making of power battery closed-loop supply chain considering corporate social responsibility and echelon utilization

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to optimize strategic decisions and profit distribution among members of the power battery closed-loop supply chain (CLSC), considering both competition and cooperation dynamics.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs the noncooperative-cooperative biform game approach to examine strategy optimization and profit distribution among CLSC members for electric vehicle (EV) power batteries. The model integrates manufacturers’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) considerations and competitive recycling dynamics between recyclers and echelon utilization enterprises. Numerical simulations are employed to evaluate how key parameters influence optimal decisions and profit distribution.FindingsExcessive competition in recycling reduces the supply chain’s operational efficiency and negatively affects profits. Recyclers and echelon utilization enterprises should reduce competitive pressures. Higher echelon utilization rates improve supply chain efficiency and promote retired battery recycling. Manufacturers and echelon utilization firms should prioritize investments in utilization technologies and operational productivity. Furthermore, optimizing input costs while balancing CSR investments can enhance mutual benefits among supply chain members.Originality/valueThis paper applies the noncooperative-cooperative biform game to advance theoretical research on power battery CLSC, investigating the interplay between cooperation and competition among supply chain members. The study provides managerial insights for optimizing recycling competition and CSR investment strategies, offering practical value for coordinating stakeholder interests in the power battery CLSC with echelon utilization.