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The transition to a circular economy can be undermined by rebound effects, which could mean secondary production does not fully displace virgin raw materials. So called 'circular economy rebound' is under examined in the academic literature and thus requires greater attention if it is to be successfully estimated and mitigated by decision and policy makers. Accordingly, this paper undertakes a systematic review of the methods that have been deployed to measure rebound effects of all types and identifies those quantitative tools that have yet to be utilised in the nascent area of circular economy rebound but which could have application in this context. In so doing, the paper also reflects on the data needs of different methods, as well as the magnitude of the different rebounds identified and potential mitigating strategies. Findings suggest clear research gaps within the rebound literature and identify areas in which estimation of the circular economy rebound specifically could benefit from this wider body of work on rebound assessment. • Circular economy rebound is underexamined in the academic literature. • A review of applied methods for estimating rebound effects is conducted. • Methods that could be used to estimate circular economy rebound are identified. • Data needs, rebound effect sizes and mitigation options are discussed/classified. • Major gaps in the rebound effect literature are synthesised in a research agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores the alignment and misalignment of objectives within private companies and public organizations in their approach to the circular economy. While many studies have investigated the alignment within single actor types, this research reveals the dynamics of alignment when private companies and public organizations engage. Drawing upon qualitative research protocol, our study employs a circular economy financing initiative implemented in Italy as the empirical foundation for investigating these dynamics. The results highlight the positive repercussions when private companies and public organizations achieve perfect alignment, which triggers internal transformations within both entities. However, perfect alignment is seldom achieved. Our findings thus contribute to the literature by proposing actor misalignment as a potential barrier to the circular economy. This paper provides both theoretical and managerial insights into alignment dynamics within the context of the circular economy and offers a perspective on how these dynamics might evolve over time in multi-stakeholder circular economy initiatives. • Positive repercussions when private businesses and public actors achieve perfect alignment. • Perfect alignment between private businesses and public actors is seldom realized. • Actor misalignment represent a potential barrier to the circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of the circular economy in companies undoubtedly requires a transition of their business systems towards more environmentally oriented ones. However, there is a lack of empirical research on the topic in the micro-level. Based on a sample of 404 managers with positions of responsibility in SMEs that are in transition towards a circular economy, this paper analyses at the micro level, through the use of structural equation modelling, how internal and external drivers contribute to this transition process and, at the same time, how the process itself impacts the resilience of the company and, consequently, its transformation process. The obtained results contribute to the literature by observing that internal factors carry more weight than external factors when implementing the CE transition. They illustrate how resilience derived from the CE transition can foster transformative change and demonstrate the CE's impact beyond environmental sustainability, extending its influence into strategic management and organizational fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Navigating the complex pavement system to the circular economy is a multi-dimensional and time-consuming endeavour. Obstructed by lock-in mechanisms of the prevailing "take-make-dispose" linear mode, the current circular economy studies in pavement infrastructure often focus only on one certain type of practice, featured by fragmentation from a system perspective. This study presents the first systematic literature review on the historical development trend of the circular economy concept in the pavement sector based on the collected 59 studies from 2006 to 2022. This review also identifies the soft (regulatory, social/environmental) and hard (technical, market/economic) drivers of- and barriers to the paradigm shift, aiming to coordinate the existing fragmented findings and facilitate the future systemic implementation of the circular economy. The synthesis of the results indicates that the underdeveloped technical guidance and legal system are inhibiting the paradigm shift to the circular economy. Furthermore, the authors argue that the importance of transparent and standardized data along the whole supply chain should be highlighted. Ultimately, this paper suggests that a welcoming environment set by the road authorities is crucial for innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as for constructing a system where stakeholders can confidently take responsibility and initiative. • First systematic review of circular economy transition in pavement engineering. • Identify the soft and hard drivers of- and barriers to the sustainable transition. • Guide towards the future adoption of material passports in the pavement sector. • Call for decentralization and multi-stakeholder engagement in the decision-making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many recent studies have highlighted the role of circular product design in the light of the transition to the circular economy. Nevertheless, the gradual incorporation of circular economy practices, methods, and tools still requires further investigation, mainly in terms of new product development, which is a key process for the adoption of the circular economy. The main innovation of this paper is its proposal of a maturity matrix for the gradual adoption of the circular economy in the new product development process. The development and proposition of this maturity matrix was based on a literature review, evaluation from experts, and application in four companies, from different industrial sectors. The matrix is composed of five maturity levels and eleven analysis dimensions, encompassing the circular economy-oriented design strategies. Among the main outcomes, the application of the matrix provides a diagnosis and broader understanding of how circular the new product development process in a company is. Moreover, the matrix can guide companies to gradually improve circular economy integration through the design of new products, contributing to the theoretical and managerial debate about the transformation processes involved in the transition from a linear to a circular economy. • The study identifies and systematizes current knowledge on circular product design (CPD). • A maturity matrix integrating CPD strategies and management practices was developed and proposed. • The paper discusses the results of the application of the matrix in four companies. • The matrix provides a diagnosis of the maturity level and in-depth insights regarding CPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of shifting the built environment to a circular economy, this paper first provides a meta-synthesis of the literature that clarifies the strategies related to the asset lifecycle in the circular economy (CE) context. The definitions of forty-two approaches, classified into seven categories (A to G) were analysed to identify their differences and similarities using a text mining method. Based on the definitions, approaches', their needs and requirements, and their benefits and impacts have been listed. Four variables have been identified: the asset phases (V1), the sustainable approaches (V2), the benefits and impacts (V3) and the needs and requirements (V4). As the main contribution to knowledge, two diagrams have been drawn to picture the relationships between, first, V1, V2 and V3 and secondly V1, V2 and V4. An additional contribution is semantic information captured and drawn in a Force Directed Graph (FDG) to clarify the diversity of existing approaches and their relationships. More than a hundred approaches/concepts are staged in a diagram and their links are identified. Particularly the importance of the design phase and its related approaches are developed. The FDG illustrates the complexity of the building projects involving multiple stakeholders. The paper also provides the limitations of the variety of approaches that should be overcome to achieve CE. In particular, the limitations of reuse (components cannot be reused indefinitely) and limitations of design-only approaches (like prefabrication where deconstruction is not prepared). Further research is recommended about the Product Service Systems associated with Extended Producer Responsibility that appears to be key enablers for the CE. Work is also needed to define the circularity of buildings and the associated circularity assessment tools. The outputs could be used to rationalise policies to foster these approaches to enable the construction sector to develop strategies to overcome the current obstacles to the transition to a circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on a comparative study of the governance of Circular Economy (CE) in sixteen different countries. The analysis rests on a theoretical framework of insights gained in transition management literature and public administration, particularly network governance. It is assumed that two forms of governance are needed to cope with the complex circular economy transition process: public and network governance. The hypothesis was that in order to implement CE effectively, strong leadership of government, active involvement of stakeholders and receptivity to network governance are crucial. Based on the analysis described in this paper, two models have been designed that refine the original hypothesis: a model on the effectiveness of CE governance and a model that presents four main avenues for developing CE in different socio-cultural and political contexts. It is recommended to continue exploring this area of research, which is underexamined in the literature. • Comparative study of governing circular economy (CE) in sixteen countries. • Focus on how the concurrent application of public governance and network governance can lead to effective implementation of CE • Theoretical focus on transition management and network governance. • Conclusion 1 summarised in a model assessing the effectiveness of CE governance. • Conclusion 2 summarised four main avenues for developing CE in different socio-cultural and political contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A successful transition to a Circular Economy, as promoted by the European Commission, requires solid information on the future availability of anthropogenic resources. Anthropogenic resources are human-made material stocks and flows, such as old landfills, buildings or different waste streams. A case study approach was adopted in this paper to investigate the role of the classification of anthropogenic resources in supporting the transition to a Circular Economy. The first objective is to identify the motivation and scope of the reviewed case studies. The second objective is to investigate to what extent they address the challenges linked to anthropogenic resource recovery. The third objective is to elicit in how far resource classification can contribute to promote anthropogenic resource recovery and to support the EU Action Plan for the Circular Economy. This paper includes case studies that classify materials recovered from old landfills, built infrastructure, national secondary metal stocks, electrical and electronic waste and waste incineration residues. With respect to anthropogenic resource recovery, five areas were identified, in which resource classification can have a meaningful contribution in the future, namely in knowledge management, research and development, policy support, (pre-) feasibility studies, and marketing. In a wider Circular Economy context, resource classification can play a key role in assessing anthropogenic resources in analogy to natural resources for integrated resource management. Further, it can be useful to improve communication along the value chain, e.g., to optimize waste management operations, processes and products for enhanced resource recovery and recyclability. Resource classification can also help compare different Circular Economy options. The paper concludes that a standardized classification, which encompasses guidance on detailed assessment of different types of anthropogenic resources, is necessary. This should take into account the fact that the availability of resources does not solely depend on the material quantities, but also on the technical, operational, economic, social, environmental and regulatory conditions which cumulatively enable or prevent recovery of these resources. • Information on available anthropogenic resources is key for a Circular Economy. • Anthropogenic resources can be assessed in analogy to natural resources. • Reviewed studies classify old landfills, built infrastructure, metal stocks, e-waste and waste incineration residues. • Different Circular Economy options could be compared in the future. • A standardized classification methodology for different types of anthropogenic resources is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emulating the positive developments of consumer products manufacturing industries, the pharmaceutical manufacturing (PM) industry is also leaning towards sustainable manufacturing. Expectations are on the rise to lower the undesirable impacts on the earth ecosystem caused by the manufacturing companies via new circular economy implementation. The current sustainable practices of PM industry focus largely on waste mitigation, rather than closing the resource loops through adopting the concept of circular economy. Academic studies are mainly concentrated on chemistry research in PM industry, while a systematic framework to guide the implementation of circular economy concept is missing. In this paper, we use the 9R framework to illustrate the latest circular economy model, and introduce an adapted 9R (PM9R) framework that is catered for the PM industry. We attempt to (a) use the PM9R framework to review academic research in sustainable PM; (b) conduct literature mining and critical analysis according to "short loop", "medium loop" and "long loop" systems; (c) highlight the risks that hinder the progression of academic solutions to industry practices and the impact of PM9R application; and (d) illustrate new circular economy avenues for future research in sustainable PM. The finding of this paper show that "short loop" is the prime research focus, emphasizing in the area of alternative chemistry in new PM production design and planning. However, the mismatch between research focus and the practical needs in existing PM processes is the risk that hinder the transition of academic solutions to industry practices. Pharmaceutical companies, academia, and regulatory authorities should work closely in an ecosystem to mitigate the barriers in upscaling study, regulations and intellectual property ownership issues. • Manifestation of circular economy using 9R framework. • Introduction of adapted 9R framework (PM9R) for pharmaceutical manufacturing (PM). • Classification of sustainable PM research using the PM9R framework. • Presenting sustainable PM research landscape in pursuing circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In April 2022, the European Commission (EC) published a set of policy proposals to foster the European Union's (EU) transition to the circular economy (CE). Despite significant academic debate on the implications of transitioning to the CE, there remains little empirical and theoretical knowledge about what kind of circular future the EC policy proposals prescribe. In this paper, we explore the circular futures underpinning the EC policies and strategies on the CE by conducting a content analysis of the EC's CE policies between 2011 and 2022 using Bauwens et al.'s (2020) theoretical approach of circular futures as an analytical framework. We find that the EC's CE policies result from hybrid combinations of often competing, different circular futures. Despite this hybridity, circular modernism imaginaries that rely on techno-optimism and centralised governance tend to dominate, leading to a weak version of the CE that may be unable to meet the EU's environmental ambitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circular economy (CE) model, where resources are kept "in the loop" for as long as possible through a series of reusing, remanufacturing, recycling, and recovery strategies, has been acclaimed for reducing the environmental impacts of our current economic model substantially and has therefore been supported by a wide range of policymakers as one solution to tackling climate change. However, how circular transitions in cities impact people has been rarely researched, and even less attention has been paid to the negative consequences of CE transitions. This paper presents the findings from a social impact assessment conducted in the city of Umeå, Sweden. We identified several negative impacts of a CE transition across seven social impact categories and explored three areas in depth with stakeholders in the city: employment, access to services and participation. We found that the negative impacts of the CE are perceived to be limited and that the CE interventions are mainly viewed as a win-win-win outcome, i.e., a win for the environment, the economy and people. This raises questions about the level to which societal consequences have been considered and whether all relevant stakeholders, in particular civil society, have participated in the design of the city's CE strategy. Our findings can inform other cities about possible negative consequences of CE transitions and provide insights into how to incorporate different stakeholders in the CE transition process to ensure that no one is left behind. • Provides the findings from a social impact assessment in the city of Umeå, Sweden, which aims to be a leader in the circular economy (CE) this decade. • It shows that the transition to a CE in the city is mainly viewed as positive by different stakeholders in the city (government, academia, and industry), with few perceived losers. Participation of civil society and citizens in designing the CE strategy has, however, been low. • As transition processes are often prone to injustices, we recommend a more thorough consultation and participation process to design CE interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the obligations assumed by Croatian accession to the European Union in 2013, municipal waste still mainly ends at landfills, even in regions where significant investments were made in waste management centres based on mechanical-biological treatment, and in which mixed waste is collected and processed into refuse-derived fuel and disposed at so-called bioreactor landfills. Waste management sector in Croatia necessitates substantial restructuring if it is to achieve compliance with circular economy. Since Croatia is far from achieving specific targets, in 2016 an attempt was made to adopt a strategic waste management document that would have paved the way to reaching circular economy targets, but its contents were substantially modified in course of its adoption, preserving the concept devised a decade and half ago. The paper presents waste and circularity indicators for Croatia, analyses national policies, targets, achievements and EU recommendations, and proposes the measures which would accelerate Croatia's path towards circular economy, resource efficiency, reduction of marine litter in the Adriatic and bio economy. The model is applicable to other countries in transition and those which still rely on landfilling and linear economy concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research shows that much of the blame for waste and lost resources can be traced to the design phase. The implementation of Circular Economy (CE) has the potential to reduce waste by encouraging reuse of resources in a closed loop. Given that designers are involved in the design process, this paper investigates whether they are properly equipped to take responsibility for the shift toward CE. A group of professional designers from the field of retail design were therefore interviewed, with a view to discovering and understanding impediments to the implementation of CE; the study presents a snapshot of these designers' knowledge of CE. It identifies categories of drivers and barriers to CE, as seen from the designer's perspective; shows conflicting interests within these categories; describes the interaction of collaborators; and, finally, suggests roles that each of these players might be expected to play in an eventual transition to CE. Findings suggest that while designers understand their responsibility in accomplishing this transition, they lack tools and confidence to engage in the recycling process. Despite being enthusiastic about CE and recognizing the need for change, they do not reckon themselves capable of leading that transition. • Designers play a vital role in implementation of CE but feel ill-equipped for it. • Identifies barriers and drivers in a transition to CE in retail design. • Identifies the ecosystem of collaborators needed in the transition to CE. • Designers' expected role and the expected roles of collaborators are introduced. • Designers are motivated to mitigate the environmental impacts of their work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No project for the transition to the circular economy can be carried out by a single organisation. This research addresses a gap by presenting a process and a set of tools to facilitate the development of circular business models. It contributes to building circular ecosystems by visualizing the parties involved, connecting and aligning their business models. Applying our framework can train people and help organizations achieve collective outcomes. Credence can be given to our claims as they have been tested in various contexts. 400 students and practitioners were involved in 9 business cases. An application is presented using data from a real case and a combination of role games. • The paper presents a process to develop circular business models for sustainability. • It identifies and justifies the gaps which this circular business model addresses. • It helps visualize, connect and align the circular business models of organizations. • 15 workshops with 400 students and practitioners provided positive feedback. • One of the 9 cases is presented as an illustration of how our model can be applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing circular economy policies and planning approaches in cities is an emerging research field and the aim of the present paper is to contribute to the existing body of literature by analysing multiple governance forms whereby municipalities can support and facilitate a local level transition to a circular economy. The purpose of this article is therefore to analyse how cities and municipalities can support and facilitate the circular economy through multiple modes of governance, e.g. through the use of own assets to support the circular economy; the use of the ownership of utilities and waste companies to support the circular economy; the use of rule enforcement and/or economic regulation or through facilitating, coordinating, collaborating and encouraging. The analysis in the article is based on two in-depth case studies of projects seeking circular economies, in which Danish municipalities collaborated with local stakeholders to close the material loop for demolition materials and textile waste. Overall, this study is based on an action research approach that emphasises the benefits of co-innovation processes carried out between multiple stakeholders. The analysis of the case studies concluded that municipalities can function as an important change agent to support and facilitate a transformation towards a circular economy. • Analysis of four modes of local governance for a circular economy. • Case studies on the recirculation of demolition materials and textile waste. • Analysis of how cities and local governments can contribute to a transition towards a circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public procurement is the acquisition of products and services needed for public organizations to fulfill their functional objectives. Public procurement can also be a tool to meet horizontal objectives such as environmental or social ones. In this paper, public procurement is highlighted as a tool for the transition to circular economy. However, circular public procurement cannot be confined to just a procurement department as it requires collaboration internally across departments and externally with partners in the supply chain. The current practices within public procurement are explored in the analyses of eight proactive Danish municipalities, with a focus on the development from green to circular public procurement. This research is based on practices and learning theory to understand what actually happens in an organization, in other words, how people work. The difference between practices and policies is noticeable in public procurement, as policies stipulate general guidelines, while the inclusion of green and circular aspects depend on the competences of each individual procurement department. Tools supporting this inclusion are at the center of successfully using public procurement to support environmental concerns, for example, through the application of ecolabels, while the lack of circular public procurement tools presents a barrier for further uptake. In several of the cases explored, green public procurement practices are driven by demand from end-users, while the rather fewer experiences with circular public procurement are project-based and driven by management. From the procurement departments' point of view, circular procurement is still perceived as "new and difficult," and the principles of circular procurement are vague. Also, circular public procurement requires competences that are not present in the procurement departments today, and therefore their understanding of circular procurement is restricted to a few well-known cases. • A practice perspective on GPP and CPP in Danish municipalities. • CPP practice rely on end-user demands for inclusion of environmental circular criteria. • CPP practice is focused on products and lacks a circular system perspective. • Lack of CPP capabilities in municipalities favors GPP practices. • CPP requires collaboration internally across functions and externally across value chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shift to a circular economy requires careful planning, the first step of which is to understand the drivers of the transition. There have been few papers in the literature that have analyzed and mapped interrelationships of these transition drivers from the perspective of different sectors. This work presents a methodological framework for mapping causality networks for macro-level transition towards circular economy based on sector perceptions. Fuzzy DEMATEL is used to allow linguistic inputs to be quantified. This procedure allows drivers to be characterized as causes or effects based on their position in the causality network. A case study presents the Philippines as a representative developing country for circular economy transition. The inputs of seventeen respondents from retail and trade, manufacturing, construction, water services, food services, electricity services, academic services, and health services were elicited through a survey. These responses were then aggregated into the industry and service sectors. The drivers considered were government support, company culture, consumer demand, social recognition, economic attractiveness, and information to practitioners. Results show that economic attractiveness and consumer demand are unanimously seen as the causal drivers. All sectors identify company culture as an effect driver. The findings also indicate varying perceptions among sectors. Although these findings apply specifically to the Philippines, this methodology itself can be used for mapping driver interrelationships of other countries and regions. Image 1 • Drivers for circular economy transition exhibits causal interrelationships. • Fuzzy DEMATEL is employed in exploring the causal interrelationships. • All sectors agree on economic attractiveness as a prominent causal driver. • Information to practitioners yielded as a weak driver based on all sectors. • Varying perceptions of causal drivers among sectors were found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circular economy offers a way for businesses to conceptualize sustainable economic activity with a concern for environmental and societal well-being. Putting this concept into practice is a complex undertaking, given the current production and consumption systems, and necessitates strategies that enable competition and cooperation between various actors to generate and scale up the best ideas. Simultaneous competition and cooperation, or coopetition, is studied in strategy literature within the context of managing the complexity of business networks. Coopetition could offer valuable perspectives for firms transitioning to circular models. The purpose of this paper is to show how coopetition could be operationalized and optimized using tokens in a blockchain to support a transition to circular models of value creation and appropriation. The findings of our study indicate that tokens could enable previously disconnected product ecosystems to converge and unleash the waves of creativity and innovation required for circular business models. However, facilitating such convergence would require the coopetition models to transition from comprising the current stages of value creation and appropriation to being based on value creation and circulation. Image 1 • Coopetition is an effective strategy for generating ideas and scaling up innovation in circular economy ecosystems. • Building circular economy ecosystems is complex and product biographies is a viable way of conceptualizing such ecosystems. • Tokens on blockchains could offer incentives to cooperate and compete for creating circular economy ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper is concerned with potential barriers to the transition to a circular economy business model (CEBM) on the firm-level. Using a case study in the electronics manufacturing industry, we identify and analyze barriers in terms of their impact along the value chain (VC) as well as the level of difficulty required to overcome them. This allows us to map barriers to managerial responsibilities, thus improving the organizational transition process. The key findings of this research are: (1) To scale up CEBM on the firm-level, additional changes need to be implemented next to the oft-cited and discussed changes towards a Product-Service-System (PSS) and reverse logistics. Based on literature research and our case study, we put forward an extensive list of 29 potential barriers. (2) As managerial and financial resources are limited, we also suggest a priority ranking for barriers. Specifically, we show that barriers should be prioritized along the dimensions of their organizational resistivity and their impact on the VC. Organizational resistivity refers to the estimated effort along managerial time, financial resources, and cultural resistance for change, while VC impact refers to the ability of the barrier to influence and re-direct product, parts, and material flows along the foreword and reverse supply chain. This type of barrier assessment is new to the literature. (3) We argue that the proposed method for barrier prioritization, which we term the Circular Economy Matrix, can be readily transferred to manufacturing firms in other industries. (4) Clustering the barriers along managerial responsibilities (sets of barriers) is shown to lead to a more efficient and effective transition, as gauged by incurred transaction costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]