Advancing Circular Economy Practices: A Literature Review of Micro-Level Indicators and Recovery Strategies

Transitioning from a linear economic model to a more circular one underscores the need for effective monitoring tools to track the impact of adopted changes and support ongoing improvement processes. In response, many tools have been proposed, including user-friendly indicators, to gauge progress towards a Circular Economy (CE). These tools offer various classifications that assess the efficacy of CE across different scales: micro-level for individual products and companies, meso-level for industrial symbiosis systems and eco-parks, and macro-level for governmental entities at national, regional, and municipal levels. While much attention in the literature focuses on macro and meso-level indicators, there's a gap in exploring the practical contributions of micro-level indicators, leaving few actionable insights for business practitioners. Simultaneously, to ease the integration of CE practices, several frameworks have been proposed. These frameworks, categorized under different CE recovery (R) strategies, encompass primary approaches for intelligent product use and production, extending product and component lifespans, and optimizing material utilization. To provide practical tools for CE monitoring and enhancement, this study proposes a systematic literature review of the key most recent micro-level indicators based on 15 revised manuscripts. These indicators align with the strategies of the 9R framework (refuse, rethink, reduce, reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacture, repurpose, recycle, recover) and the triple bottom line (TBL) approach to economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Results reveal that these micro-level indicators, while valuable, lack standardization and exhibit a diverse range of complexities. Some indicators focus on specific R strategies, like recycle and reuse, making them less accessible to companies not already engaged in such practices. Additionally, within the TBL framework, there's an observed trend towards economic and environmental sustainability, gaining emphasis also on the social dimension.