Abstract
PurposeIn a context where the transition to a circular economy is increasingly required, it is necessary to clarify the relationship between sustainability and circularity. In this commentary we summarise what are circularity indicators and what is LCA (Life Cycle Assessment), and we discuss their potential role in improving circular decision making.MethodsBased on literature, a focus on how circularity indicators and LCA could be used in circular decision making is presented. Moreover, an analysis of recent studies has been carried out to identify the relationship between LCA and circularity indicators.Results and discussionWe can state that no authors have concluded that circularity indicators can be used alone to choose the best option in circular economy projects. This is because the circularity indicators only provide a partial view on the environmental performance of a system. At the same time, it appears that the circularity indicators are easier to communicate, and a high degree of circularity could help to build good relationships with customers and increase reputation among stakeholders, as well as to have an easier access to funding.Conclusions and recommendationsAt the end, we propose a procedure to include both the LCA and the circularity measurement in the assessment of circular economy strategies. While still at an early stage of conceptualisation, it gives an idea on how to integrate environmental sustainability aspects into circular economy initiatives.
Highlights
Circular economy (CE) is an approach developed due to the need to provide concrete response to implement the concept of sustainable development (Murray et al 2017; Corona et al 2019; Saidani et al 2019) shifting from a linear economy model to a circular one (Ellen MacArthur Foundation 2013)
We can conclude that the circularity indicators, alone, are not able to assess the overall environmental performance of circular strategies
A study based on circularity indicators must be completed by an Life cycle assessment (LCA) study to verify that the circularity of the system leads to an improvement in environmental performance
Summary
Circular economy (CE) is an approach developed due to the need to provide concrete response to implement the concept of sustainable development (Murray et al 2017; Corona et al 2019; Saidani et al 2019) shifting from a linear economy model to a circular one (Ellen MacArthur Foundation 2013). 229) describes CE as “an economic system that replaces the ‘end-of-life’ concept with reducing, alternatively reusing, recycling and recovering materials in production/distribution and consumption processes. It operates at the micro level (products, companies, consumers), meso level (ecoindustrial parks) and macro level (city, region, nation and beyond), with the aim to accomplish sustainable development, simultaneously creating environmental quality, economic prosperity and social equity, to the benefit of current and future generations”. Life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology may be applied to identify the most promising circular economy strategies and options for improving the environmental performance of society’s consumption and production patterns, as stated in the recent position paper by the Life Cycle Initiative (Peña et al 2021).
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