Implementing circular economy activities in manufacturing for environmental sustainability

Manufacturers around the globe are expected—with growing urgency—to contribute to the implementation of a circular economy (CE) to enhance environmental sustainability. However, to put circularity into practice, companies need to be better guided. Responding to their need, this paper 1) documents research-based insights for CE implementation; 2) clarifies key CE concepts; 3) highlights learning of CE research and innovation in various regions; 4) outlines guiding principles for CE implementation; and 5) proposes issues for future research to various communities with a cross-disciplinary approach in mind. The adopted method is a literature review supplemented with stakeholder interviews.