A Framework to Assess Manufacturers’ Circular Economy Readiness Level in Developing Countries: An Application Case in a Serbian Packaging Company

Researchers highlighted the gap between the circular economy (CE) theory and real manufacturing practices. In developing countries, the background for CE development is quite different from developed countries, where there is an established waste management structure and a robust environmental policy. In addition, a shortage of best practices, guidelines, learning experiences, frameworks, and models capable of guiding manufacturers in measuring their circular level and track a roadmap towards an improvement of their circular readiness is raised in the literature. Therefore, this research develops and proposes a framework for assessing company’s CE readiness and is tailored for companies operating in developing countries. In detail, the framework investigates the two main perspectives (product and business model) that companies should consider adopting and implementing CE in their operations and business. The framework also supports companies to track an improvement roadmap through the definition of future actions and KPIs. To develop the framework, an application case with a company placed in Serbia and operating in the packaging industry has been conducted. The application of the framework unveiled that there is room for improvement in developing countries to foster CE adoption, especially in the policy context. Indeed, policy incentives and instruments of public authorities would considerably support the circular transition process in companies.