There is a rising awareness of environmental problems amongst organisations in the primary industries as these businesses rely heavily on natural resources. So far, research has focused on LCM implementation in individual companies to reduce environmental impacts. However, this research explores the sector-based approach as an opportunity to successfully implement LCM in primary industry sectors. A generic framework has been developed that describes the barriers and enablers to successful LCM uptake in primary industry sectors, based on the bodies of literature on LCM, SMEs, supply chain management and technology transfer. These aspects have been tested and verified through face-to-face interviews and a large scale survey with the main decision makers in the kiwifruit industry in New Zealand.

Life cycle management; sector-based approach; New Zealand kiwifruit industry