Abstract This article examines how circular economy (CE) and reverse logistics (RL) practices can be integrated into quality management systems (QMS) in SMEs. Although CE and RL are key components of sustainability, their linkage with formal quality frameworks remains insufficiently explored. This exploratory study proposes an original integration model, investigates the current level of alignment, and identifies organizational barriers. Based on survey data from 37 Polish enterprises, the paper verifies research hypotheses regarding the synergy between circularity and quality management. The findings offer practical insights for practitioners seeking to enhance process reliability through a combined application of circular and quality approaches
Krzywda et al. (2026) studied this question.