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Blockchain adoption in remanufacturing under carbon tax policies: A game theory analysis of industry dynamics and consumer impact

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  • Jing Li
  • Tianchen Yang
  • Lihua Shi

Abstract

Within the context of China’s “dual carbon” goals, remanufacturing of waste products has garnered significant government interest due to its potential to reduce carbon emissions during production and alleviate environmental pollution. This study analyzed the impact of carbon tax policies (carbon tax and carbon tax reduction) and consumer demand on the blockchain introduction strategies of manufacturers and remanufacturers by constructing a two-party evolutionary game model of “manufacturers-remanufacturers”. The key findings are as follows: (1) Under carbon tax policies, manufacturers and remanufacturers in different industries exhibit divergent strategies regarding blockchain adoption. Specifically, manufacturers in industries lacking carbon emission advantages are more inclined to introduce blockchain technology. Conversely, remanufacturers in industries possessing carbon emission advantages demonstrate a stronger preference for adopting blockchain technology. (2) Government strategies involving tax reductions and exemptions can effectively incentivize manufacturers and remanufacturers to adopt blockchain, thereby boosting the sales of remanufactured products and the recycling of waste products. (3) Consumers’ environmental awareness and acceptance of remanufactured products significantly influence manufacturers’ and remanufacturers’ blockchain adoption decisions, although the nature of this impact varies across industries. Based on these insights, this paper proposes targeted strategies to facilitate the low-carbon development of the manufacturing industry. Different from previous studies, this study considers the external factors of “blockchain applications” to further enrich the research on remanufacturing decisions considering different external factors under carbon tax policies. Based on the application of blockchain technology, the impact of carbon tax policies on remanufacturing decisions in different industries is further compared and analyzed.

Suggested Citation

  • Jing Li & Tianchen Yang & Lihua Shi, 2026. "Blockchain adoption in remanufacturing under carbon tax policies: A game theory analysis of industry dynamics and consumer impact," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 21(1), pages 1-26, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0338919
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0338919
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Luo, Ruiling & Zhou, Li & Song, Yang & Fan, Tijun, 2022. "Evaluating the impact of carbon tax policy on manufacturing and remanufacturing decisions in a closed-loop supply chain," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 245(C).
    2. Yang, Lei & Gao, Muyi & Feng, Lipan, 2022. "Competition versus cooperation? Which is better in a remanufacturing supply chain considering blockchain," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 165(C).
    3. Hu, Shuo & Yuan, Zheng & Wang, Ailun, 2024. "Improving carbon emission efficiency in Chinese manufacturing: A study considering technological heterogeneity and noise," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 291(C).
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