Analyzing the Status and Tendencies of Circular Economy Development in Lviv Region

The article is aimed at researching the tendencies of implementation of business models of the circular economy and exploring the status of their use in the enterprises of Lviv region. On the basis of theoretical and statistical data, the prerequisites for development of the circular economy in both European and Ukrainian markets are characterized, the focus is set on the orientation of the European Union on the transition to circular models, also the relevance of researching this topic for Ukrainian enterprises is substantiated. The meaning of the 6R concept (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair, Recovery, Replace) is disclosed; interpretations of the terms «recycling», «recovering» and «reusing» are provided; a comparative analysis of the structure of waste management in Ukraine and in the EU is carried out. The advantages and disadvantages of introducing the «self-contained» models of production and consumption are allocated using the SWOT model, a PEST analysis of aspects of the external environment affecting the development of the circular economy in the Ukrainian market is carried out. Based on regional statistics for 2016–2018, the dynamics of the main indicators of waste management in the Lviv region’s enterprises are shown; the level of involvement of enterprises of Lviv region to the circular economy and features of the use of «circular» models are diagnosed; the main problems with the treatment of industrial waste in Lviv region are characterized; activities of selected enterprises involved in the circular economy, as well as enterprises that pollute the ecology of the region, are analyzed; structure of the formed waste is depicted by species. The main «self-contained» business models aimed at minimizing and disposing of waste are also analyzed, and recommendations on the introduction of business models of the circular economy for use in the enterprises of Lviv region are formed.