CICLOG publishes a paper on Circular Economy indicators

The growing interest in Circular Economy (CE) prompted experts to develop evaluation metrics regarding the change from a linear to a circular logic. In response, recent literature was populated with a multitude of circularity indicators covering different scales of CE: nano (products), micro (companies), meso (industrial symbiosis) and macro (governments). However, the simple switch to circular systems does not necessarily result in favorable alternatives, as compensations can occur in relation to environmental, economic or social impacts. In order to assist decision makers in the process of choosing the most appropriate indicator for circularity assessments.

The research presents a systematic review of the literature aiming at nano and micro level indicators, which were evaluated according to their relationship with the pillars of sustainability and life cycle stages. A total of 58 indicators were assessed in the survey.

The results show that most of the analyzed indicators are focused on product evaluation (nano level), mainly focus on the recirculation of materials and resources and lack the strength to assess the sustainability performance of circular systems, often addressing only the environmental area.

The CICLOG, which specializes in LCA, opens new doors in research in Circular Economy.

Congratulations to Carla and Thales for this great research!

Want more details? Access: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2020.11.024.

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By Roni M Severis, with the collaboration of Carla T. de Oliveira

Florianópolis, December 17th, 2020