The role of end-of-life lock-ins in the diffusion of eco-innovations

Eco-innovations support sustainability transitions but face diffusion challenges due to socio-technical lock-ins, with end-of-life (EOL) management being crucial for their long-term success. However, EOL-related lock-ins and their interactions with these processes remain underexplored. Moreover, limited research exists on specific actions companies can take to address these challenges. To address these gaps, this study integrates innovation diffusion theory with the socio-technical lock-in concept to qualitatively study the biodegradable biobased plastic packaging industry, representing a field with significant eco-innovation diffusion challenges. Based on the analysis of 24 semi-structured interviews, the study reveals a range of systemic EOL management lock-ins across technological, institutional, behavioral, and discursive dimensions, each contributing to the delayed diffusion of eco-innovations. Utilizing the innovation diffusion framework, the study further examines how the characteristics of innovation, innovation adopters, innovators, environmental context, and infrastructure contribute to these lock-ins. Moreover, the study identifies lock-out strategies, which are targeted actions in design and technological development, marketing, process optimization, lobbying, education, and communication, that innovators employ to dismantle EOL lock-ins and accelerate the diffusion of eco-innovations.