Combining CSR and political activities of MNCs through meta-organizations: the case of plastic pollution in emerging countries

This chapter examines how multinational corporations (MNCs) collectively address plastic pollution in emerging economies through meta-organizations. While existing literature highlights the limitations of voluntary corporate action, we analyse how MNCs leverage collective platforms to promote Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and influence regulatory processes. Drawing on five case studies from West Africa and Southeast Asia, we show that subsidiaries of MNCs create meta-organizations that combine corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts with political action. At the inter-organizational level, these platforms support a specific form of mandatory regulation that we define as "hybrid." Their effectiveness is contingent on national political dynamics and the involvement of international organizations. We contribute to the literature on political CSR, meta-organizations, and grand challenges by highlighting how firms pursue regulatory solutions through collective structures under conditions of weak governance.