Designing for Circularity: User Study of CirQA, a Circularity Quick Assessment Tool for Early-Stage Building Design
The construction sector, which is responsible for nearly 40% of emissions and almost third of all waste generated, is under increasing pressure to integrate sustainability principles, particularly in the early design stage, where key decisions influencing a building’s lifecycle are made. This paper presents a user study on a Circularity Quick Assessment (CirQA) tool, aiming at accessibility to a broad range of users, including those with varying levels of expertise. CirQA employs parametric design methods and data repositories to generate digital building models in the early design stage with the corresponding environmental impact. A user study was conducted with 16 professionals from various backgrounds to assess the tool’s usability, design, relevance and decision-making impact. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected, with qualitative data analyzed through thematic coding and SWOT analysis. Results indicated that CirQA was generally perceived as user-friendly and effective for early-stage sustainability assessments. Also, areas for refinement were identified, including improving the clarity of data presentation, enhancing the interface, and providing more detailed guidance on circularity metrics. The SWOT analysis identified strengths in the tool’s ease of use and comprehensive functionality, weaknesses in its interface usability and data interpretation, opportunities for broader integration and customization, and threats related to increasing complexity. The study concludes that CirQA holds significant potential to advance circular and life cycle-oriented building design, with future efforts focused on optimizing user experience, expanding lifecycle metrics, and ensuring regulatory adaptability to enhance informed decision-making.
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From Nature Conservation to Resource Conservation: How Recycling Developed into an Environmental Issue in the US During the 20th Century
This article examines how the idea that recycling conserves natural resources developed and stabilized into a matter of fact in modern U.S. history. Influential figures like Herbert Hoover reframed the focus of conservation from nature protection to production, efficiency and waste management. The conservation idea was used by the industry to emphasize its societal value, externalize waste management costs, divert attention away from resource extraction, and engage the public in sorting that would yield materials back to the industry. The 1970s energy crisis opened up possibilities to symmetrically compare different processes and materials by a unified metric: energy consumption. As a result, recycling came to conserve resources not only in the waste itself, but also in nature. The significant energy savings from recycling, compared to extraction, were emphasized and communicated, and the idea of displacement vanished in the underlying calculations and was thereby institutionalized into everyday language.
Biodiversity, Circularity and Business Education: Examining Organizational Ambidexterity within Ecopedagogy and Ecoliteracy
This article examines the growing need for explorative innovation in business education and organizational practices, particularly through positioning biodiversity at the core of business education. While current pedagogic approaches remain predominantly exploitative, there are notable efforts toward integrating more ecocentric and regenerative strategies. Using an Organizational Ambidexterity theoretical framework, we demonstrate how fostering critical thinking and action competencies in business curricula can lead to enhanced transformative educational practices (explorative innovation) that prioritize biodiversity. Through conceptual curriculum mapping and case study analysis, we explore how Organizational Ambidexterity serves as a framework for balancing and embracing the competing demands of traditional business models and sustainability imperatives. Our recommendations for business schools include embedding ambidextrous course structures that simultaneously integrate sustainability-focused innovation with conventional business education. We conclude by emphasizing the need for curriculum reform, policy advocacy, and institutional change to ensure that business education transcends exploitative paradigms and fosters explorative, nature-positive innovation.
Tensions in Management Controls: Enabling Radical Innovation for a Circular Economy
Meeting the demands of a circular economy entails substantial organizational change and innovation, particularly by industrial incumbent organizations. This paper aims to deepen understanding of how such organizations use management controls to strengthen circular principles and drive innovation, while also shedding light on tensions in the management control system that may occur following the contrasting logics of linearity and circularity. The study collects qualitatively rich empirical data from three large industrial organizations in Sweden, employing 38 semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. The study suggests that the management control system serves as a valuable instrument for implementing circular principles through interventions, and conversely, as a system that can entrench a linear logic in organizations. Specifically, the analysis reveals that while circular principles are not fully integrated into all aspects of the management control systems, specific identified factors enable or impede innovation in the circular transformation. Imbalances and inconsistencies in the use of action-, result-, and cultural controls were also identified. The practical implications emphasize a risk of reducing circular initiatives to minor improvements without a comprehensive understanding of the needed radical changes and corresponding adjustments to the management control system. Overall, the research provides valuable and qualitatively rich insights connecting the adoption of the circular economy in incumbent organizations and further strengthens the bridge between literature on innovation management, circular economy, and management control systems, highlighting the importance of addressing tensions and imbalances for successful circular transformations.
The Circular Transformation: How Intrapreneurship and Innovation Ecosystems Reshape Enterprises
The transition to a Circular Economy (CE) offers a vital pathway for traditional enterprises seeking to meet rising sustainability demands. In practice, many enterprises navigate this transition through hybrid models, blending circular initiatives with existing linear structures as part of an incremental evolution. Organizational complexity further shapes this progression, making internal innovation and strategic collaboration essential. This study explores how environmental awareness, intrapreneurship, and innovation ecosystems enable CE adoption within established firms. A decision tree analysis of 200 survey responses from professionals and master’s students engaged in corporate work-study programs in France reveals that employee-driven innovation is the strongest predictor of CE engagement. Focusing on traditional enterprises, where structural inertia is greater than in startups, our findings show that aligning internal capabilities with external collaboration is critical to advancing circular practices. The study offers actionable insights for business leaders and policymakers aiming to foster sustainable economic transformation.
Market Dynamics in the Circular Economy: A Case Study of the Adjacent Biofertilizer and Biogas Markets
This study explores the interlinked development of Sweden’s biogas and biofertilizer markets as part of efforts to close resource loops in a circular economy. While biogas benefits from robust policy support and a clear energy narrative, biofertilizers face persistent challenges related to marketization, pricing, certification, and public perception. Applying a constructivist market studies approach together with a lens of concerned markets, the paper investigates how societal and sector-specific concerns interact with market-shaping processes. Findings show that market formation is shaped by evolving exchange practices and material reconfigurations, efforts to validate biofertilizers through experimentation and certification, and shifting narratives that reposition biofertilizers from waste by-products to valuable contributors to soil health and circularity. The paper calls for integrated policy frameworks that align energy and nutrient recovery to support more balanced and sustainable market infrastructures.
Towards a Reference Framework of Practices to Align Aviation with the Circular Economy ISO 59004:2024 Standard
Circular economy is considered essential towards sustainability in several sectors, including within the aviation sector. So far, the aviation sector focuses primarily on recycling, when discussing circular economy. This limits the effective application of circular strategies within the air transport system. A reference framework of practices, aligning circular economy with aviation, will contribute to implement circular strategies in the aviation sector. This work aims to provide the first foundational step towards a framework connecting circular economy strategies and aviation. Specifically, the present work builds on the newly released ISO standard 59004:2024 to link its resource management actions to the current understanding of circular economy and circularity in the aviation sector. To this end, the work proposes a definition of circular economy that suits the specific aviation context. Then, an interpretation of the circular economy strategies (known as resource management actions or R-approaches) is proposed for adapting them to aviation practices. The results of the present work will provide the foundation towards developing a practically applicable assessment methodology, suitable to measure the circularity performance of aviation.
Transition of Manufacturing Companies towards Circular Economy: The Enabling Role of Digital Technologies for Product Life Cycle Extension
Extending the product life cycle is increasingly seen as a key strategy for manufacturing firms transitioning to a circular economy. This involves redesigning products through practices like design for remanufacturing and product-service systems, which also reshape the value proposition towards customers. Digital technologies have recently emerged as enablers of these circular economy practices, yet research in this area remains limited and largely qualitative. This paper addresses the gap of a more comprehensive view on the enabling role of digital technologies as for product life cycle extension by conducting an exploratory empirical study—using Correspondence Analysis—on 41 Italian manufacturing firms that have adopted circular economy practices supported by digital technologies. The findings reveal that while digital technologies generally support the adoption of circular economy, some are more effective than others in enabling specific practices. The study contributes to academic discourse by confirming the enabling role of digital technologies and highlighting their relative effectiveness in extending product life cycle. The study also offers practical insights for managers and policymakers aiming to foster the adoption of circular economy practices in the manufacturing sector.
Towards Sustainable Energy: Economic and Environmental Factors Influencing Feasibility of Agricultural Waste Derived Biogas for Electricity Systems
More than 70% of the world’s electricity generation comes from nonrenewable energy sources, which can cause environmental damage. However, alternative energy sources can bring environmental and economic benefits to companies and society. This study aims (i) to unveil the main economic tools and methods used to determine economic feasibility of using agricultural wastes for biogas and electricity generation systems, as well as the environmental aspects that hold influence over it, (ii) to identify the most relevant recent studies and main researchers in this field globally, and (iii) to propose a future agenda for the field. Employing a systematic literature review, a total of 51 articles were selected, and few characteristics were analyzed in terms of bibliometry, such as authorship, type of study, journals, and country. The economic viability analysis explored attributes such as payback, net present value, sensitivity analysis, internal rate of return, and cost-benefit. From an environmental perspective, life cycle assessment, as a technique, and circular economy, as an approach, have been frequently employed in this field. The analysis revealed that Europe (mainly Sweden and Belgium) emerged as the most important continent to develop studies on this topic. However, China and Brazil have shown a recent increase in the number of publications. Notably, no well-known authors were identified as working on the theme. In terms of types of study, case studies accounted for 80% of the final portfolio. Moreover, 60% of the documents analyzed demonstrated economic viability. This study can contribute to understanding the potential environmental impacts of electricity generation from biogas and assisting in decision-making within the public sector.
Visions of a Circular Future: What Type of Circular Economy Is Developing in South Australia?
Circular economy is an influential concept with increasing policy adoption. However, a diversity of narratives within the field obfuscates what policymakers mean when using this term. This research maps four circular future scenarios via a Narrative Policy Framework, as a method for investigating the type of circular economy envisioned within a policy. The policy document used to test this method is the South Australia Waste Strategy 2020-2025, in which South Australia is positioned as a global leader in circular economy transition. The data analysis found a bias towards centralised and techno-optimistic policy narratives where government and waste management industry characters are portrayed as “heroes”, with uninformed individuals cast as potential “villains”. Policymakers are recommended to draw from circular future narratives that empower more stakeholders and promote resilience through decentralised circular economy strategies. Research opportunities include cross-case comparisons, automated coding, and codebook expansion, to include inanimate characters such as enabling socio-technologies.
Barriers and Enablers in Adopting Circular Business Models in Horticulture SMEs: Insights from Zimbabwe
The Circular Economy (CE) offers solution to sustainability challenges, yet its application in agricultural SMEs is underexplored. This qualitative research aimed to explore the enablers and barriers that affect the implementation of CE approaches by horticultural producers in Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe. Thematic analysis was employed to identify the patterns and insights. The study revealed 25 participants through semi-structured interviews, which comprise 10 farm owners, eight workers, and seven key stakeholders, that some contextual barriers to CE adoption, like financial constraints, lack of access to technology, and weak institutional support. Market incentives, stakeholder collaboration, and the utilisation of traditional farming practices aligned with CE principles were identified as key enablers. The research has revealed the necessity of customised interventions in the form of capacity-development programs and policy recommendations targeting the need to assist horticulture farmers in transitioning towards circular operations. This study enriches CE literature by contextualising horticultural SMEs in Zimbabwe and providing actionable recommendations for sustainable farming practices. It therefore calls for addressing systemic barriers to the application of knowledge and technological innovations towards more sustainable and circular horticulture.
A Novel Framework to Measure Circularity Trade-offs and Synergies in the Global Context
A growing attention has been given to understanding the social, economic and environmental impacts of circular economy (CE) strategies at national and regional levels. However, the potential trade-offs and synergies involved in a CE transition remain underexplored. This paper presents a novel framework designed to measure these trade-offs and synergies through three key dimensions: impact, geography, and sector. This step-wise, multi-dimensional approach enables a detailed analysis of circularity challenges and benefits. To illustrate the framework’s application, a hypothetical scenario was developed on CE strategies within the agriculture sector, focusing on trade-offs and synergies between two regions — the European Union and Latin America & the Caribbean. This framework contributes to a better understanding of potential winners and losers in a global circularity transition, and supports policymakers in interpreting CE scenarios effectively.
Emerging Regenerative Business Paradigm: Narrative Review, Synthesis, and Research Agenda
This study examines the concept of regenerative business strategy. Regeneration is an emerging approach where businesses aim to create a positive impact on socio-ecological systems, rather than just making incremental improvements or minimizing harm. Our study demonstrates that regeneration is a relatively ambiguous and contested concept – both academically and in practice – with no consensus on its meaning. To make sense of this emerging concept, we employ a narrative review method to anchor regeneration into existing management literature, using the more established concepts of business sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and circular economy. This approach shows that while the concept of regeneration is not entirely new, it offers a new operationalization of systemic and strong sustainability. In summary, our study provides a clear positioning of regenerative business strategy as a part of existing sustainability discourses and demonstrates how it extends and refines those.
Circular Economy Transition on the Debate: Big Dreams but Harsh Realities
This paper aims to reveal some discrepancies in scientific discourse related to the circular economy subtopics and to recognize some of the current and relevant shortcomings in an antagonism approach that requires more attention from scientists, policymakers, and civil organizations to reach a cohesion level between downstream and upstream measures of circular economy initiatives. These subtopics refer to the lack of basic waste management services and sanitation around the world; circular ambitions on “papers” and massive pollution in open environments; recycling and resource recovery between formal; informal, and criminal organizations; progress towards a circular economy transition and deficient waste-related statistics; Plastics Treaty between high and less ambitious countries; circular business models and greenwashing risks; smart cities and neglected rural communities. These subtopics are interlinked for circular economy discourse from local to global levels while this literature review paper reveals some pathways to overcome such societal discrepancies that act as an impediment towards a functional global circular economy.
Regenerative Business Practices: Supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises’ Transition to a Net-Positive Circular Economy
As humanity confronts the escalating challenges of climate change, resource scarcity, and biodiversity loss, the role of regenerative business practices (RBPs) within circular economy (CE) frameworks remains critically underexplored. This article aims to address this gap, particularly in the context of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as they represent 99.8% of businesses in many European economies and thus play a vital role in CE transitions. It employs the Three Horizons Framework to investigate the limitations in existing CE definitions (Horizon 1), through emergent RBPs (Horizon 2), towards a net-positive CE (Horizon 3). Through this lens, it explores how RBPs are currently embedded in CE literature and can potentially enable MSMEs to transition towards a net-positive CE. Utilising PRISMA methodology, thematic coding, and co-occurrence analysis, our study uncovers a fragmented understanding of regeneration within existing CE literature. Key findings include clarity on why CE is stuck in a net-zero ‘restoration’ loop and a curated typology of RBPs that are increasingly applied by MSMEs, enabling a shift towards net-positive CE. The review discusses the complexity of integrating RBPs, and the need for more empirical studies on how RBPs can act as deep leverage points, moving away from shallow leverage points such as material flows, subsidies and tax driven interventions. Finally, we offer insights on practical applications of RBPs for MSME entrepreneurs, managers, and leaders along with recommendations for further exploration of sector-specific applications of RBPs.
System-Wide Analysis of the Plastics Value Chain in Indonesia: The Five Levels of Information
This study examines the complex challenges of achieving a circular plastics value chain in Indonesia. Applying the systems-based approach of Complex Value Optimisation for Resource Recovery (CVORR), the study highlights the importance of understanding the dynamic interconnections between natural, social, economic, and political subsystems. The analysis reveals that rather than purely technical or financial, the barriers to circularity lie also in institutional frameworks, norms and power structures, that govern how resources are managed. Addressing these systemic lock-ins requires coordinated and inclusive strategies. These include strengthening regulatory frameworks to support infrastructure investment and innovation, advancing policy reforms and shifting societal norms. Achieving the adoption of such holistic, system-wide interventions is the only pathway to supporting Indonesia’s vision to transition to a circular plastics economy; a transformation that must be driven by human agency and underpinned by strong political will. This approach, if effectively implemented, will provide a robust foundation for far-reaching environmental, economic, technical and societal benefits.
Materializing Our Future Society: Introducing the Feedstock-Material-Product Framework for a Circular Bioeconomy
The circular bioeconomy, merging circular economy principles with biobased resources, represents a critical pathway towards a sustainable future. However, effectively designing and developing truly valuable biobased products within this system requires a holistic approach. We introduce the Feedstock-Material-Product (FMP) framework to address this need. This framework emphasizes the crucial interdependencies between feedstock sourcing, material properties, and product design. We argue that a holistic framework on these three levels is essential for maximizing value retention and sustainability throughout the entire lifecycle. By adopting the FMP framework, a pathway is offered to accelerate the transition towards a circular bioeconomy in which our sustainable future can be effectively materialized.
Enhancing Sustainable Supply Chain Performance Through Circular Economy Practices: The Mediating Role of Supply Chain Capability and Flexibility
This paper investigates how circular economy practices influence sustainable supply chain performance, considering mediating factors like supply chain flexibility and capabilities. Using a descriptive survey design, data was gathered from 120 managers across ten manufacturing firms in Greater Accra, Ghana. All respondents completed and returned their questionnaires. The findings show that circular economy practices significantly enhance the sustainable supply chain performance of these firms. Additionally, supply chain capabilities and flexibility were found to partially and positively mediate this relationship. The study concludes the need to invest in building supply chain capabilities and fostering flexibility to maximize the benefits of circular economy initiatives.
Sustainable Supply Chain Performance (SSCP)
The circular economy (CE) is a key pillar of sustainability policies, notably the European Green Deal, requiring extensive data across the value chain. However, the lack of a clear definition of CE data creates ambiguity in its understanding and application. This study addresses this gap by investigating the fundamental research questions: What are the dimensions that define CE data? and How is CE data currently being utilized according to these dimensions? To answer these questions, this research proposes a novel typology for CE data, examining its various dimensions and subdimensions across different levels, from product-specific to macroeconomic scales. Through a literature review and an analysis of 26 CE performance measurement frameworks, 334 distinct CE data points were identified and collected, serving as the foundation for defining eight CE data dimensions within the proposed typology. This approach has provided a clear definition of what constitutes CE data, contributing positively to business applications, particularly in performance measurement. Additionally, it streamlines data collection and analysis, offering a structured approach to prioritizing and interpreting CE data for effective implementation.
Material Stock Analysis for Implementing Circular Economic Concepts in Mongolia’s Construction and Transportation Sectors
This study quantifies the material stock and flow in Mongolia’s construction and transportation sectors. In the last few years, a rapid development in Mongolia’s construction and transportation industries has led to large amounts of construction waste. Most raw materials extracted are accumulated in building infrastructure and other durable goods. This study used the bottom-up approach to estimate the material stock (MS) of Mongolia’s transportation and construction industries. The analysis shows that in 2020, Mongolia accumulated about 180.7 Mt of material stock (MS) with a potential of 26.6 Mt (14.7%) of waste from the transportation and construction sectors in the future. The study also highlights materials’ distribution and intensities across each sector and successfully establishes a material stock database for Mongolia’s transportation and construction sectors. From the results, it can be deduced that MSFA studies will assist policymakers in forecasting future demand for materials and estimating the environmental impact, which can aid in developing relevant policies on reducing the negative environmental impacts and implementing circular economy concepts.
The Social Importance of Researching Action-Oriented Circular Futures
Although the circular economy (CE) aims to address ecological and social challenges of our times, a narrow focus on technical solutions risks perpetuating the structures that underpin today’s eco-social crisis. Achieving a fair and sustainable CE therefore requires approaches that go beyond business-as-usual and consider the deeper economic, social and political dimensions of circularity. In this regard, Techniques of Futuring (ToFs) are powerful tools for envisioning and co-creating alternative pathways. To date, much of circular futures research has relied on static, scenario-based planning that successfully identifies possible endpoints, but not how to navigate from the present to a transformative future. By systematically integrating ToFs such as backcasting, Delphi and SWOT analyses, researchers and practitioners can identify the necessary policy measures, technological innovations and cultural shifts to realise an equitable and ecologically sound CE. This action-oriented perspective is essential to overcome current limitations, guide societal change and ensure that the CE becomes a genuinely inclusive and sustainable paradigm.
Organizational Learning Practices to Develop Digitalization Capabilities in Circular Economy SMEs
The transition to the circular economy (CE) is widely driven by digitalization and data-driven innovation. However, whereas large companies typically have sufficient capabilities to fully exploit digitalization and data in their business and operations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face challenges with the full utilization of digital technologies, coping with ever-increasing amounts of data and finding appropriate analysis methods. Therefore, SMEs operating in the CE sector have a clear need to develop their capabilities in implementing digital technologies to support CE business. This paper investigates how these companies can improve their dynamic capabilities in an inter-organizational learning process, where SMEs can transfer knowledge, make sense of it, and integrate it into their processes in joint action with other SMEs. The paper introduces a comparative multiple case study of six CE SMEs, all located in Finland, which have developed their dynamic capabilities by participating in collaborative learning activities with other SMEs facilitated by a university. The results reveal various learning practices for knowledge-sharing, joint sensemaking and knowledge implementation to support the development of dynamic capabilities for the digitalization of SMEs. The study also shows that inter-organizational learning not only helps the CE SMEs to improve their limited capabilities toward digitalization and data utilization, but also helps them to develop their own organizational culture in a direction that is more open to learning and absorbing new knowledge from outside the firm’s boundaries
Durkheim, Individualism, Human Flourishing and the Law: An Appraisal of Social Solidarity and Circularity in the Construction Sector
The transition to a circular economy (CE) in the construction sector requires strong collaboration among stakeholders. This paper examines the potential of Émile Durkheim’s theory of social solidarity and Gregory Alexander’s human flourishing framework to foster cooperation within the construction sector and beyond. By linking Durkheim’s organic solidarity with Alexander’s concept of interdependence, we propose that sustainability goals can align with individualistic tendencies through a shared focus on human flourishing. This approach reframes sustainability as a path to collective and individual well-being, emphasizing the interconnectedness of stakeholders in circular construction practices. Furthermore, the paper explores embedding this mindset into legislative frameworks via soft law, legal nudging, and explicit statutory references. This interdisciplinary analysis bridges sociology, legal studies, and sustainability science, offering a new narrative to integrate human flourishing into societal and legal systems, thereby advancing circularity and fostering a sustainable future.
Simulation Models for Reverse Logistics Decisions: Insights from a Case Study of Diesel Particulate Filter Remanufacturing
Remanufacturing is vital in circular business models, offering a sustainable way to restore products and reduce resource consumption. In the automotive industry, remanufactured parts are commonly used as spare parts, although their volumes in the market remains limited compared to new spare parts. One main challenge in increasing adoption of remanufacturing is that economic and environmental effects of reverse logistics operations are unknown. This research develops a simulation-based decision support tool for assessing reverse logistics operations in the automotive aftermarket, evaluating the economic and environmental impact of remanufactured versus newly produced spare parts. Using a combination of agent-based and discrete event methods, the simulation analyzes the effectiveness of Scania’s reverse logistics network using diesel particulate filter as case study. The findings demonstrate remanufacturing advantages in cost (-82%), carbon footprint emissions (-92%), and virgin material savings (-99%) over new production, therefore supporting the integration of remanufactured parts into circular business models.
Effective Communication of Underlying Research Philosophies Can Improve Circular Economy Research in the Foundation Industries
The drive to address environmental challenges in the Foundation Industries is leading to an ever greater, and more diverse, volume of Circular Economy related research. Despite increased expectations for research to achieve positive impact, authors do not always have the tools to effectively communicate to readers what their study’s underlying research philosophy is, regarding how knowledge will lead to impact. We propose terminology for authors to concisely communicate their approaches to knowledge generation (fundamental or applied) and route to impact (reformative or transformative). Reformative research does not seek to fundamentally disrupt or change the prevailing (or conventional) production systems, whereas transformative research does. We provide recommendations for how authors can effectively communicate their study’s research philosophy in an appropriate level of detail.
A Feasible Circularity Model for Construction Wood Wastes in Developing Countries: The Case of Kenya and Nigeria
As the population of Africa is expected to reach 2.4 billion by 2050, construction activities are also expected to increase due to urbanization. This would create an increase in the demand for more material and the generation of more construction wastes which largely constitute concrete, reinforcement steel, and wood wastes. In Nigeria, the management of construction waste is not sustainable enough, likewise in Kenya. Construction sector remains a major contributor to solid waste disposal. The approach of circularity in the construction sector presents an alternative for preparing for re-reuse and recycling of valuable construction wood wastes. Creating more business opportunities for local craftsmen and second-hand material sellers. However, the lack of a circularity model of practice for construction activities remains a challenge among many others. The objective of this paper is to develop a feasible circular economy model for construction wood Waste for Kenya and Nigeria, of which the paper first reviewed the barriers and potentials of circular economy in the construction sector of these two countries, then reviewed relative literatures on organizational or business models of circular economy in construction sector and other sectors, to understand and re-interpret an appropriate circularity models feasible for construction wood waste in Kenya and Nigeria. Secondly a structured questionnaire survey was carried out with stakeholders from both countries to access their input on the feasibility of the developed model. The stakeholders’ survey reveals that 69 percent agreed that the model is feasible in Kenya, while 38.5 percent agreed that the model is feasible in Nigeria, another 38.5 percent agreed the model is fairly feasible in Nigeria. The stakeholders also attested to other measures that would improve the proposed construction wood waste circularity model including early-stage design decisions, involvement of government regulations, introduction of Building Information Modelling (BIM), and introduction of independent warehouse storage facilities.
Beyond Recycling Bicycles: Circular Economy Implications of Increasing Ebike Uptake in Ireland
Recent years have seen an upsurge in the micromobility sector. Ebikes are gaining ground to become viable alternatives to private car commuter transport and last-mile delivery in cities. An underrepresented environmental concern, particularly in European literature, is the end-of-life management of ebikes as ewaste. The current trend towards road transport electrification raises concerns regarding ambitions towards becoming a green and circular economy as well as meeting resource management targets. This paper addresses the material circularity of increasing ebike uptake. This is achieved through an examination of the ebike product lifecycle in Ireland through organisational qualitative research, an examination of the ebike market share, and a case study of ebike fleet management on a university campus. It argues that policy makers need to engage with the ebike retail and repair sector to address concerns they have regarding repairability of ebikes, quality, and insurance. Policies that encourage uptake of ebikes such as Cycle-to-Work schemes should facilitate the circular economy through innovative initiatives such as facilitation of resale of remanufactured, and refurbished ebikes and incentivising product longevity through repair vouchers. From this study it appears that basic mechanical features of ebikes are more likely to fail than ebike batteries. The exclusion of light means of transport such as ebikes from the Ecodesign Directive should be reconsidered given the quantities of ebikes placed on market and the need to address repairability in the sector. Island nations, such as Ireland, may need further enhancements and initiatives such as additive manufacturing to ensure timely repairs to ebikes, thereby extending product lifetimes and circularity.
Circularity in Motion: The Circular Knowledge Management Model
The role of knowledge management (KM) in international circular business models remains underexplored. Firm capabilities in creating and sharing knowledge are crucial for stimulating circularity. Our research explores KM in supporting the international expansion of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) through International Joint Ventures (IJVs), with a focus on circular business models. We introduce a Circular Knowledge Management Model (CKMM) designed for SMEs to manage cultural and institutional challenges in global markets. The model aims to systematically manage knowledge for competitive advantage in environmentally conscious sectors. Employing a mixed-method collaborative research design, we utilize a longitudinal case study to develop the CKMM. Results show that the CKMM enhances knowledge transfer and integration within IJVs, enables innovation and sustainable adaptation in foreign markets. It promotes a learning culture and stimulates diverse competencies for sustainability and innovation, offering a strategic approach to knowledge management in IJVs that emphasizes global competitiveness and environmental sustainability. This study bridges gaps between internationalization, KM, and the circular economy, providing insights for both theoretical and practical applications.
Behind Closed Doors: Examining the Stock of Clothing in Individuals’ Wardrobes
Increasing the use intensity of individual garments is crucial in reducing the total environmental impact of clothing consumption. Implementing circular economy strategies, such as reuse, can intensify the use of garments. However, a deeper understanding of the current fulfilment of the need for clothing is essential for the effective implementation of circular economy strategies. To this end, we conducted an extensive wardrobe study on 156 adults living in Flanders (Belgium) in 2024. The study finds that participants had, on average, 198 garments in their wardrobe, of which only 2% was pre-owned and 22% was dormant (not used in the last 12 months). Further, 75% of dormant clothes are in good enough condition for reuse. This shows the considerable untapped potential to intensify the use of garments currently trapped in wardrobes. However, the results suggest that the potential to reactivate dormant garments is limited for two reasons: First, participants are unwilling to part with over half of their dormant garments, primarily because they believe they will prove useful in the future. Second, the observed scarcity of pre-owned garments in wardrobes suggests a low demand for reusable garments. The findings in this study provide essential groundwork for developing more effective policies to promote the full utilisation of garments in the transition to a CE for consumer clothing.
Circular Supply Chain Management: Bridging Business Innovation and Sustainability Through Best Practices
The current linear economic system is unsustainable due to its dependence on the uncontrolled exploitation of diminishing natural resources. The integration of business innovation and supply chain management (SCM) has brought about the redesign of business processes through the implementation of a closed-loop approach. The Circular Economy (CE) offers a sustainable solution to improve business opportunities by ‘closing the loop’ and following the principles of rejuvenation and reuse inspired by nature. Presently, numerous studies have attempted to establish the concept of SCM by integrating CE principles, which are commonly denoted as circular SCM. With this study, we try and provide a more definite approach, as to what truly makes a SC circular. While many scholars have recognized the challenges of transitioning to CE, there is still a lack of consensus on business best practices that can facilitate companies in embracing CE across the supply chain. Hence, this paper conducts a thorough literature review to scrutinize the SCM practices utilized for CE and how they differ from other SCM models. It then identifies the obstacles and recommends best practices that can enhance a company’s ability to incorporate CE principles toward business innovation and supply chain performance. Further, the paper proposes future research in the field of using technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain, as business innovation tools for supply chain management towards CE adoption.