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Exploring assessment practices of companies actively engaged with circular economy

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  • Erik Roos Lindgreen
  • Katelin Opferkuch
  • Anna M. Walker
  • Roberta Salomone
  • Tatiana Reyes
  • Andrea Raggi
  • Alberto Simboli
  • Walter J. V. Vermeulen
  • Sandra Caeiro

Abstract

An emerging research area is dedicated to developing approaches for assessing the ‘circularity’ of companies and their products, within the context of sustainability goals. However, empirical evidence on the uptake of these assessment approaches remains scarce. Using a purposive sampling, we conducted a survey receiving 155 responses and held 43 semi‐structured interviews with Dutch and Italian companies active in circular economy (CE), pursuing three research aims: to explore the use of CE and sustainability assessment approaches; to study the process of developing assessment approaches; and to uncover benefits of—and barriers to—CE assessment. While we find high variability of assessment approaches, most often, companies develop tailor‐made sustainability indicators and apply life cycle assessments to CE strategies. Importantly, assessment development for CE practices requires and facilitates collaboration with external stakeholders. Finally, we reflect on the paradox of standardisation versus tailoring of assessment approaches within the CE reality and recommend establishing company needs and capabilities before designing assessment approaches.

Suggested Citation

  • Erik Roos Lindgreen & Katelin Opferkuch & Anna M. Walker & Roberta Salomone & Tatiana Reyes & Andrea Raggi & Alberto Simboli & Walter J. V. Vermeulen & Sandra Caeiro, 2022. "Exploring assessment practices of companies actively engaged with circular economy," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(4), pages 1414-1438, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:bstrat:v:31:y:2022:i:4:p:1414-1438
    DOI: 10.1002/bse.2962
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Katelin Opferkuch & Anna M. Walker & Erik Roos Lindgreen & Sandra Caeiro & Roberta Salomone & Tomás B. Ramos, 2023. "Towards a framework for corporate disclosure of circular economy: Company perspectives and recommendations," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 30(5), pages 2457-2474, September.
    2. Patrizia Ghisellini & Ivana Quinto & Renato Passaro & Sergio Ulgiati, 2024. "Exploring environmental and social performances of circular start‐ups: An orientation and certification assessment," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(4), pages 3222-3241, May.
    3. Purvis, Ben & Genovese, Andrea, 2023. "Better or different? A reflection on the suitability of indicator methods for a just transition to a circular economy," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 212(C).
    4. Rebeka Kovačič Lukman & Kristijan Brglez & Damjan Krajnc, 2022. "A Conceptual Model for Measuring a Circular Economy of Seaports: A Case Study on Antwerp and Koper Ports," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-18, March.
    5. Anna M. Walker & Alberto Simboli & Walter J. V. Vermeulen & Andrea Raggi, 2023. "A dynamic capabilities perspective on implementing the Circular Transition Indicators: A case study of a multi‐national packaging company," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 30(5), pages 2679-2692, September.

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