Skip to main content

Circular Economy Research and Practice: Past, Present and Future

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Circular Economy Strategies and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

The continuing emergence of circular economy (CE) research and practice as a critically important concept for the foreseeable future has renewed interest in understanding its theory and practice. In this chapter, we first analyse the evolution of CE research and practice by examining research published over the last decade. We then summarise the key themes emerging from review articles over the past decades. These themes form the basis of a proposed integrative CE research and practice synergy model. We further offer suggestions for future research by proposing critical topics and emerging themes for future research, such as organisational circular economy attitudes, knowledge synthesis and exchange, circular economy practice taxonomy, and circular economy pandemic response. We conclude by offering conceptual perspectives and highlighting key recent developments that will likely impact future practice and should be addressed by scholars.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 119.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 159.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Anaruma, J. F. P., Oliveira, J. H. C. D., Filho, F. A., Freitas, W. R. D. S., & Teixeira, A. A. (2021). The first two decades of circular economy in the 21st century: A bibliographic review. Benchmarking: An International Journal. https://doi.org/10.1108/bij-01-2021-0029

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Antikainen, M., Uusitalo, T., & Kivikytö-Reponen, P. (2018). Digitalisation as an enabler of circular economy. Procedia CIRP, 73, 45–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2018.04.027

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Atasu, A., Dumas, C., & Wassenhove, L. N. V. (2021). The circular business model. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved October 10, 2022, from https://hbr.org/2021/07/the-circular-business-model

  • Avelino, F., & Wittmayer, J. (2016). Shifting power relations in sustainability transitions: A multi-actor perspective. Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning, 18(5), 628–649. https://doi.org/10.1080/1523908x.2015.1112259

  • Balanay, R., & Halog, A. (2019). Tools for circular economy: Review and some potential applications for the Philippine textile industry. Circular Economy in Textiles and Apparel, 49–75.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barreiro-Gen, M., & Lozano, R. (2020). How circular is the circular economy? Analysing the implementation of circular economy in organisations. Business Strategy and the Environment, 29(8), 3484–3494.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blomsma, F., & Brennan, G. (2017). The emergence of circular economy: A new framing around prolonging resource productivity. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 21(3), 603–614. https://doi.org/10.1111/jiec.12603

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blomsma, F., Pieroni, M., Kravchenko, M., Pigosso, D. C., Hildenbrand, J., Kristinsdottir, A. R., Kristoffersen, E., Shahbazi, S., Nielsen, K. D., Jönbrink, A. K., Li, J., Wiik, C., & McAloone, T. C. (2019). Developing a circular strategies framework for manufacturing companies to support circular economy-oriented innovation. Journal of Cleaner Production, 241, 118271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.118271

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Böckel, A., Nuzum, A.-K., & Weissbrod, I. (2021). Blockchain for the circular economy: Analysis of the research-practice gap. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 25, 525–539.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bocken, N., Schuit, C., & Kraaijenhagen, C. (2018). Experimenting with a circular business model: Lessons from eight cases. Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions, 28, 79–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eist.2018.02.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bocken, N., Strupeit, L., Whalen, K., & Nußholz, J. (2019). A review and evaluation of circular business model innovation tools. Sustainability, 11(8), 2210.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bocken, N. M., De Pauw, I., Bakker, C., & Van Der Grinten, B. (2016). Product design and business model strategies for a circular economy. Journal of Industrial and Production Engineering, 33(5), 308–320.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bögel, P. M., Pereverza, K., Upham, P., & Kordas, O. (2019). Linking socio-technical transition studies and organisational change management: Steps towards an integrative, multi-scale heuristic. Journal of Cleaner Production, 232, 359–368. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.05.286

  • Borrello, M., Caracciolo, F., Lombardi, A., Pascucci, S., & Cembalo, L. (2017). Consumers’ perspective on circular economy strategy for reducing food waste. Sustainability, 9(1), 141. https://doi.org/10.3390/su9010141

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bradley, R., Jawahir, I., Badurdeen, F., & Rouch, K. (2018). A total life cycle cost model (TLCCM) for the circular economy and its application to post-recovery resource allocation. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 135, 141–149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2018.01.017

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bressanelli, G., Perona, M., & Saccani, N. (2019). Challenges in supply chain redesign for the circular economy: A literature review and a multiple case study [Article]. International Journal of Production Research, 57(23), 7395–7422. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2018.1542176

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Campbell-Johnston, K., Vermeulen, W. J., Reike, D., & Brullot, S. (2020). The circular economy and cascading: Towards a framework. Resources, Conservation & Recycling: X, 7, 100038.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chizaryfard, A., Trucco, P., & Nuur, C. (2021). The transformation to a circular economy: Framing an evolutionary view. Journal of Evolutionary Economics, 31(2), 475–504.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ciliberto, C., Szopik‐Depczyńska, K., Tarczyńska‐Łuniewska, M., Ruggieri, A., & Ioppolo, G. (2021). Enabling the circular economy transition: A sustainable lean manufacturing recipe for industry 4.0. Business Strategy and the Environment, 30(7), 3255–3272.

    Google Scholar 

  • De los Rios, I. C., & Charnley, F. J. (2017). Skills and capabilities for a sustainable and circular economy: The changing role of design. Journal of Cleaner production, 160, 109–122.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elghaish, F., Matarneh, S. T., Edwards, D. J., Pour Rahimian, F., El-Gohary, H., & Ejohwomu, O. (2022). Applications of industry 4.0 digital technologies towards a construction circular economy: Gap analysis and conceptual framework. Construction Innovation, 22(3), 647–670. https://doi.org/10.1108/ci-03-2022-0062

  • EMF. (2015). Towards a circular economy: Business rationale for an accelerated transition. Retrieved September 23, 2022, from https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/towards-a-circular-economy-business-rationale-for-an-accelerated-transition

  • Erdiaw-Kwasie, M. O., Abunyewah, M., Yusif, S., & Erdiaw-Kwasie, A. (2023). Does circular economy knowledge matter in sustainable service provision? A moderation analysis. Journal of Cleaner Production, 135429.

    Google Scholar 

  • Erdiaw-Kwasie, M. O., Alam, K., & Shahiduzzaman, M. (2017). Towards understanding stakeholder salience transition and relational approach to ‘better’ corporate social responsibility: A case for a proposed model in practice. Journal of Business Ethics, 144(1), 85–101.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fazey, I., Schäpke, N., Caniglia, G., Patterson, J. W., Hultman, J., Van Mierlo, B., Säwe, F., Wiek, A., Wittmayer, J., Aldunce, P., Waer, H. A., Battacharya, N., Bradbury, H., Carmen, E., Colvin, J., Cvitanovic, C., D’Souza, M., Gopel, M., Goldstein, B. E., . . . & Wyborn, C. (2018). Ten essentials for action-oriented and second order energy transitions, transformations and climate change research. Energy Research & Social Science, 40, 54–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2017.11.026

  • Ferasso, M., Beliaeva, T., Kraus, S., Clauss, T., & Ribeiro-Soriano, D. (2020). Circular economy business models: The state of research and avenues ahead. Business Strategy and the Environment, 29(8), 3006–3024.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fonseca, L. M., Domingues, J. P., Pereira, M. T., Martins, F. F., & Zimon, D. (2018). Assessment of circular economy within Portuguese organizations. Sustainability, 10(7), 2521.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Franco, M. A. (2017). Circular economy at the micro level: A dynamic view of incumbents’ struggles and challenges in the textile industry. Journal of Cleaner Production, 168, 833–845. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.09.056

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Galvão, G. D. A., de Nadae, J., Clemente, D. H., Chinen, G., & de Carvalho, M. M. (2018). Circular economy: Overview of barriers. Procedia Cirp, 73, 79–85.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gatti, L., Seele, P., & Rademacher, L. (2019). Grey zone in—greenwash out. A review of greenwashing research and implications for the voluntary-mandatory transition of CSR. International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40991-019-0044-9

  • Geissdoerfer, M., Morioka, S. N., de Carvalho, M. M., & Evans, S. (2018). Business models and supply chains for the circular economy. Journal of Cleaner Production, 190, 712–721.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Geissdoerfer, M., Savaget, P., Bocken, N. M., & Hultink, E. J. (2017). The circular economy—A new sustainability paradigm? Journal of Cleaner Production, 143, 757–768. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.12.048

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ghisellini, P., Cialani, C., & Ulgiati, S. (2016). A review on circular economy: The expected transition to a balanced interplay of environmental and economic systems. Journal of Cleaner Production, 114, 11–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.09.007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ghisellini, P., & Ulgiati, S. (2020). Circular economy transition in Italy. Achievements, perspectives and constraints. Journal of Cleaner production, 243, 118360.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gupta, H., Kumar, A., & Wasan, P. (2021). Industry 4.0, cleaner production and circular economy: An integrative framework for evaluating ethical and sustainable business performance of manufacturing organizations. Journal of Cleaner production, 295, 126253.

    Google Scholar 

  • Haas, W., Krausmann, F., Wiedenhofer, D., & Heinz, M. (2015). How circular is the global economy?: An assessment of material flows, waste production, and recycling in the European Union and the world in 2005. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 19(5), 765–777. https://doi.org/10.1111/jiec.12244

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hafner, M., Yerushalmi, E., Stepanek, M., Phillips, W. D., Pollard, J., Deshpande, A., Whitmore, M., Millard, F., Subel, S., & Van Stolk, C. (2020). Estimating the global economic benefits of physically active populations over 30 years (2020–2050). British Journal of Sports Medicine, 54(24), 1482–1487. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2020-102590

  • Hailemariam, A., & Erdiaw‐Kwasie, M. O. (2022). Towards a circular economy: Implications for emission reduction and environmental sustainability. Business Strategy and the Environment.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harris, S., Martin, M., & Diener, D. (2021). Circularity for circularity’s sake? Scoping review of assessment methods for environmental performance in the circular economy. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 26, 172–186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2020.09.018

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hawken, P., Lovins, A. B., & Lovins, H. L. (2010). Natural Capitalism (2nd ed.). Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hazen, B. T., Mollenkopf, D. A., & Wang, Y. (2016). Remanufacturing for the circular economy: An examination of consumer switching behavior. Business Strategy and the Environment, 26(4), 451–464. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.1929

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hobson, K., & Lynch, N. (2016). Diversifying and de-growing the circular economy: Radical social transformation in a resource-scarce world. Futures, 82, 15–25.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Høgevold, N. M., & Svensson, G. (2012). A business sustainability model: A European case study. Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, 27(2), 142–151. https://doi.org/10.1108/08858621211197001

  • Hölscher, K., Wittmayer, J., & Loorbach, D. (2018). Transition versus transformation: What’s the difference? Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions, 27, 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eist.2017.10.007

  • Homrich, A. S., Galvao, G., Abadia, L. G., & Carvalho, M. M. (2018). The circular economy umbrella: Trends and gaps on integrating pathways. Journal of Cleaner Production, 175, 525–543.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hossain, M. U., Ng, S. T., Antwi-Afari, P., & Amor, B. (2020). Circular economy and the construction industry: Existing trends, challenges and prospective framework for sustainable construction. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 130, 109948.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hussain, M., & Malik, M. (2020). Organizational enablers for circular economy in the context of sustainable supply chain management. Journal of Cleaner Production, 256, 120375. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120375

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ibn-Mohammed, T., Mustapha, K., Godsell, J., Adamu, Z., Babatunde, K., Akintade, D., Acquaye, A., Fujii, H., Ndiaye, M., & Yamoah, F. (2021). A critical analysis of the impacts of COVID-19 on the global economy and ecosystems and opportunities for circular economy strategies. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 164, 105169.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jabbour, A. B. L. D. S., Jabbour, C. J. C., Godinho Filho, M., & Roubaud, D. (2018). Industry 4.0 and the circular economy: a proposed research agenda and original roadmap for sustainable operations. Annals of Operations Research, 270(1–2), 273–286. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-018-2772-8

  • Jackson, M., Lederwasch, A., & Giurco, D. (2014). Transitions in theory and practice: Managing metals in the circular economy. Resources, 3(3), 516–543.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jaeger, B., & Upadhyay, A. (2020). Understanding barriers to circular economy: Cases from the manufacturing industry. Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 33(4), 729–745. https://doi.org/10.1108/jeim-02-2019-0047

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jonck, A. V., Ribeiro, J. M. P., Silva, S. A. D., Anhalt, T. C., & Guerra, J. B. S. O. D. A. (2018). Circular economy: A review. Estado, Sociedade E Sustentabilidade: Debates Interdisciplinares X, 24–38. https://doi.org/10.19177/978-85-8019-207-0.23-37

  • Joshi, A. D., & Gupta, S. M. (2019). Evaluation of design alternatives of end-of-life products using internet of things. International Journal of Production Economics, 208, 281–293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2018.12.010

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kalmykova, Y., Sadagopan, M., & Rosado, L. (2018). Circular economy–From review of theories and practices to development of implementation tools. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 135, 190–201.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kazancoglu, Y., Kazancoglu, I., & Sagnak, M. (2018). A new holistic conceptual framework for green supply chain management performance assessment based on circular economy. Journal of Cleaner Production, 195, 1282–1299.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khan, S., Haleem, A., & Khan, M. I. (2022). A grey-based framework for circular supply chain management: A forward step towards sustainability. Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, 33(6), 1476–1501. https://doi.org/10.1108/meq-11-2021-0265

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kirchherr, J., Reike, D., & Hekkert, M. (2017). Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 127, 221–232. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.09.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kirchherr, J., Piscicelli, L., Bour, R., Kostense, E., Muller, J., Huibrechtse-Truijens, A., & Hekkert, M. (2018). Barriers to the circular economy: Evidence from the European Union (EU). Ecological Economics, 150, 264–272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2018.04.028

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kirchherr, J., & Piscicelli, L. (2019). Towards an education for the circular economy (ECE): Five teaching principles and a case study. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 150, 104406. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2019.104406

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Köhler, J., Sovacool, B. K., Kern, F., Markard, J., Wieczorek, A. J., Alkemade, F., Avelino, F., Bergek, A., Boons, F., Fünfschilling, L., Hess, D. C., Holtz, G., Hyysalo, S., Jenkins, K., Kivimaa, P., Martiskainen, M., McMeekin, A., Mühlemeier, M. S., Nykvist, B., . . . & Wells, P. E. (2019). An agenda for sustainability transitions research: State of the art and future directions. Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions, 31, 1–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eist.2019.01.004

  • Korhonen, J., Honkasalo, A., & Seppälä, J. (2018). Circular economy: The concept and its limitations. Ecological Economics, 143, 37–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2017.06.041

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kouhizadeh, M., Zhu, Q., & Sarkis, J. (2020). Blockchain and the circular economy: Potential tensions and critical reflections from practice. Production Planning & Control, 31(11–12), 950–966.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kristoffersen, E., Blomsma, F., Mikalef, P., & Li, J. (2020). The smart circular economy: A digital-enabled circular strategies framework for manufacturing companies. Journal of Business Research, 120, 241–261.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kwak, M. (2016). Assessing the greenness of product lifetime extension. ICIC Express Letters, 7, 491–496. https://doi.org/10.24507/icicelb.07.02.491.

  • Lahti, T., Wincent, J., & Parida, V. (2018). A definition and theoretical review of the circular economy, value creation, and sustainable business models: Where are we now and where should research move in the future? Sustainability, 10(8), 2799.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lehner, M., Mont, O., Mariani, G., & Mundaca, L. (2020). Circular economy in home textiles: Motivations of IKEA consumers in Sweden. Sustainability, 12(12), 5030.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lifset, R., & Graedel, T. E. (1997). Industrial ecology: Goals and definitions. A Handbook of Industrial Ecology, 10(4337/9781843765479), 00009.

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu, Y., & Bai, Y. (2014). An exploration of firms’ awareness and behavior of developing circular economy: An empirical research in China. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 87, 145–152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2014.04.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Loon, P. V., Diener, D., & Harris, S. (2021). Circular products and business models and environmental impact reductions: Current knowledge and knowledge gaps. Journal of Cleaner Production, 288, 125627. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.125627

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Loorbach, D., Frantzeskaki, N., & Avelino, F. (2017). Sustainability transitions research: Transforming science and practice for societal change. Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 42(1), 599–626. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-environ-102014-021340

  • Ma, S. H., Wen, Z. G., Chen, J. N., & Wen, Z. C. (2014). Mode of circular economy in China’s iron and steel industry: A case study in Wu’an city. Journal of Cleaner Production, 64, 505–512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.10.008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MahmoumGonbadi, A., Genovese, A., & Sgalambro, A. (2021). Closed-loop supply chain design for the transition towards a circular economy: A systematic literature review of methods, applications and current gaps. Journal of Cleaner Production, 323, 129101.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McCarthy, A., Dellink, R., & Bibas, R. (2018). The macroeconomics of the circular economy transition: A critical review of modelling approaches.

    Google Scholar 

  • McDonough, W., & Braungart, M. (2003). Towards a sustaining architecture for the 21st century: the promise of cradle-to-cradle design. Industry and Environment, 13–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mehrotra, S., & Jaladi, S. R. (2022). How start-ups in emerging economies embrace circular business models and contribute towards a circular economy. Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies. https://doi.org/10.1108/jeee-10-2021-0410

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mendoza, J. M. F., Gallego-Schmid, A., & Azapagic, A. (2019). Building a business case for implementation of a circular economy in higher education institutions. Journal of Cleaner Production, 220, 553–567.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Merli, R., Preziosi, M., & Acampora, A. (2018). How do scholars approach the circular economy? A systematic literature review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 178, 703–722. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.12.112

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moktadir, M. A., Rahman, T., Rahman, M. H., Ali, S. M., & Paul, S. K. (2018). Drivers to sustainable manufacturing practices and circular economy: A perspective of leather industries in Bangladesh. Journal of Cleaner Production, 174, 1366–1380.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Murray, A., Skene, K., & Haynes, K. (2017). The circular economy: An interdisciplinary exploration of the concept and application in a global context. Journal of Business Ethics, 140(3), 369–380. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-015-2693-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Niero, M., & Hauschild, M. Z. (2017). Closing the loop for packaging: Finding a framework to operationalize circular economy strategies. Procedia Cirp, 61, 685–690.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nikolaou, I. E., Jones, N., & Stefanakis, A. (2021). Circular economy and sustainability: The past, the present and the future directions. Circular Economy and Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43615-021-00030-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ormazabal, M., Prieto-Sandoval, V., Puga, R., & Jaca, C. (2018). Circular economy in Spanish SMEs: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Cleaner Production, 185, 157–167.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Papachristos, A. V., Brazil, N., & Cheng, T. (2018). Understanding the crime gap: Violence and inequality in an American city. City & Community, 17(4), 1051–1074. https://doi.org/10.1111/cico.12348

  • Paul, T., Islam, N., Mondal, S., & Rakshit, S. (2022). RFID-integrated blockchain-driven circular supply chain management: A system architecture for B2B tea industry. Industrial Marketing Management, 101, 238–257. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2021.12.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pauli, G. A. (2010). The blue economy: 10 years, 100 innovations, 100 million jobs. Paradigm Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pearce, D. W., & Turner, R. K. (1989). Economics of natural resources and the environment. Johns Hopkins University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Pieroni, M. P., McAloone, T. C., & Pigosso, D. C. (2021). Circular economy business model innovation: Sectorial patterns within manufacturing companies. Journal of Cleaner Production, 286, 124921.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Preston, F. (2012). A global redesign? Shaping the circular economy.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rahla, K. M., Mateus, R., & Bragança, L. (2021). Implementing circular economy strategies in buildings—From theory to practice. Applied System Innovation, 4(2), 26.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rajput, S., & Singh, S. P. (2019). Industry 4.0—Challenges to implement circular economy. Benchmarking: An International Journal.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reike, D., Vermeulen, W. J., & Witjes, S. (2018). The circular economy: New or Refurbished as CE 3.0?—Exploring controversies in the conceptualization of the circular economy through a focus on history and resource value retention options. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 135, 246–264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.08.027

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Remko, V. H. (2020). Research opportunities for a more resilient post-COVID-19 supply chain—closing the gap between research findings and industry practice. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 40(4), 341–355. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijopm-03-2020-0165

  • Ritala, P., Huotari, P., Bocken, N., Albareda, L., & Puumalainen, K. (2018). Sustainable business model adoption among S&P 500 firms: A longitudinal content analysis study. Journal of Cleaner Production, 170, 216–226.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rizos, V., Behrens, A., Van der Gaast, W., Hofman, E., Ioannou, A., Kafyeke, T., Flamos, A., Rinaldi, R., Papadelis, S., & Hirschnitz-Garbers, M. (2016). Implementation of circular economy business models by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): Barriers and enablers. Sustainability, 8(11), 1212.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rosa, P., Sassanelli, C., Urbinati, A., Chiaroni, D., & Terzi, S. (2019). Assessing relations between circular economy and industry 4.0: A systematic literature review. International Journal of Production Research, 58(6), 1662–1687. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2019.1680896

  • Salchow, C. (2021). Environmental protection at Siemens. Siemens. Retrieved October 23, 2022, from https://www.siemens.com/global/en/company/about/history/stories/environmental-protection-at-siemens.html

  • Sharma, H. B., Vanapalli, K. R., Samal, B., Cheela, V. S., Dubey, B. K., & Bhattacharya, J. (2021). Circular economy approach in solid waste management system to achieve UN-SDGs: Solutions for post-COVID recovery. Science of the Total Environment, 800, 149605.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shooshtarian, S., Maqsood, T., Caldera, S., & Ryley, T. (2022). Transformation towards a circular economy in the Australian construction and demolition waste management system. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 30, 89–106.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Simonis, U. E. (1989). Ecological modernization of industrial society—Three strategic elements. Economy and Ecology: Towards Sustainable Development, 119–137,. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-7831-8_7

  • Stahel, W. R., & Reday-Mulvey, G. (1981). Jobs for tomorrow: The potential for substituting manpower for energy (1st ed.). Vantage Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stahel, W. R. (2016). The circular economy. Nature, 531(7595), 435–438. https://doi.org/10.1038/531435a

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Su, C., & Urban, F. (2021). Circular economy for clean energy transitions: A new opportunity under the COVID-19 pandemic. Applied Energy, 289, 116666.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sugg, B. (2022). Circular textiles innovation during COVID-19: Not the silver lining some had hoped for. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management: An International Journal, 1–16,. https://doi.org/10.1108/jfmm-07-2021-0180

  • Tse, T., Esposito, M., & Soufani, K. (2016). How businesses can support a circular economy. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved October 23, 2022, from https://hbr.org/2016/02/how-businesses-can-support-a-circular-economy

  • Tuladhar, A., Iatridis, K., & Dimov, D. (2022). History and evolution of the circular economy and circular economy business models. Circular Economy and Sustainability, 87–106,. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-819817-9.00031-4

  • Tura, N., Hanski, J., Ahola, T., Ståhle, M., Piiparinen, S., & Valkokari, P. (2019). Unlocking circular business: A framework of barriers and drivers. Journal of Cleaner Production, 212, 90–98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.11.202

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van Eygen, E., Laner, D., & Fellner, J. (2018). Circular economy of plastic packaging: Current practice and perspectives in Austria. Waste Management, 72, 55–64.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Velenturf, A. P., & Purnell, P. (2021). Principles for a sustainable circular economy. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 27, 1437–1457. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2021.02.018

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Veleva, V., Bodkin, G., & Todorova, S. (2017). The need for better measurement and employee engagement to advance a circular economy: Lessons from Biogen’s “zero waste” journey. Journal of Cleaner Production, 154, 517–529.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vence, X., & Pereira, Á. (2019). Eco-innovation and circular business models as drivers for a circular economy. Contaduría y administración, 64(SPE1), 0–0.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vinante, C., Sacco, P., Orzes, G., & Borgianni, Y. (2021). Circular economy metrics: Literature review and company-level classification framework. Journal of Cleaner Production, 288, 125090. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.125090

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walker, A. M., Opferkuch, K., Roos, E., Raggi, A., Simboli, A., Vermeulen, W. J., Caeiro, S., & Salomone, R. (2022). What is the relation between circular economy and sustainability? Answers from frontrunner companies engaged with circular economy practices. Circular Economy and Sustainability, 2(2), 731–758.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walrave, B., Talmar, M., Podoynitsyna, K., Romme, A., & Verbong, G. (2018). A multi-level perspective on innovation ecosystems for path-breaking innovation. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 136, 103–113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2017.04.011

  • Wanner, C., Lachin, J. M., Inzucchi, S. E., Fitchett, D., Mattheus, M., George, J. T., Woerle, H., Broedl, U. C., Von Eynatten, M., & Zinman, B. (2018). Empagliflozin and clinical outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, Established cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. Circulation, 137(2), 119–129. https://doi.org/10.1161/circulationaha.117.028268

  • Weng, X., Dong, Z., Wu, Q., & Qin, Y. (2015). China’s path to a green economy (No. 978–1–78431–141–4). IIED. Retrieved October 22, 2022, from https://www.iied.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/migrate/16582IIED.pdf

  • Whalen, K. A., Berlin, C., Ekberg, J., Barletta, I., & Hammersberg, P. (2018). ‘All they do is win’: Lessons learned from use of a serious game for circular economy education. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 135, 335–345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.06.021

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whelan, T., & Fink, C. (2016). The comprehensive business case for sustainability. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved October 23, 2022, from https://hbr.org/2016/10/the-comprehensive-business-case-for-sustainability

  • Wilson, M., Paschen, J., & Pitt, L. (2021). The circular economy meets artificial intelligence (AI): Understanding the opportunities of AI for reverse logistics. Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, 33(1), 9–25. https://doi.org/10.1108/meq-10-2020-0222

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wu, J. L., & Deng, Y. B. (2012). Construction waste recycling technology management based on circular economic theory. Applied Mechanics and Materials, 260–261, 1009–1012. https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.260-261.1009

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wuyts, W., Marin, J., Brusselaers, J., & Vrancken, K. (2020). Circular economy as a COVID-19 cure? Resources, Conservation, and Recycling, 162, 105016.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zheng, Z., Xie, S., Dai, H. N., Chen, X., & Wang, H. (2018). Blockchain challenges and opportunities: A survey. International Journal of Web and Grid Services, 14(4), 352. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijwgs.2018.095647

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhijun, F., & Nailing, Y. (2007). Putting a circular economy into practice in China. Sustainability Science, 2(1), 95–101.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Angela Erdiaw-Kwasie .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Erdiaw-Kwasie, M.O. et al. (2023). Circular Economy Research and Practice: Past, Present and Future. In: Erdiaw-Kwasie, M.O., Alam, G.M.M. (eds) Circular Economy Strategies and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Sustainable Development Goals Series. Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-3083-8_3

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-3083-8_3

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-99-3082-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-99-3083-8

  • eBook Packages: Economics and FinanceEconomics and Finance (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics