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Life cycle assessment and circularity indicators
Purpose: In a context where the transition to a circular economy is increasingly required, it is necessary to clarify therelationship between sustainability and circularity. In this commentary we summarise what are circularity indicatorsand what is LCA (Life Cycle Assessment), and we discuss their potential role in improving circular decisionmaking. Methods: Based on literature, a focus on how circularity indicators and LCA could be used in circular decision making ispresented. Moreover, an analysis of recent studies has been carried out to identify the relationship between LCAand circularity indicators. Results and discussion: We can state that no authors have concluded that circularity indicators can be used alone to choose the best optionin circular economy projects. This is because the circularity indicators only provide a partial view on theenvironmental performance of a system. At the same time, it appears that the circularity indicators are easier tocommunicate, and a high degree of circularity could help to build good relationships with customers and increasereputation among stakeholders, as well as to have an easier access to funding. Conclusions and recommendations: At the end, we propose a procedure to include both the LCA and the circularity measurement in the assessment ofcircular economy strategies. While still at an early stage of conceptualisation, it gives an idea on how to integrateenvironmental sustainability aspects into circular economy initiatives.
Life cycle assessment and circularity indicators
Purpose: In a context where the transition to a circular economy is increasingly required, it is necessary to clarify therelationship between sustainability and circularity. In this commentary we summarise what are circularity indicatorsand what is LCA (Life Cycle Assessment), and we discuss their potential role in improving circular decisionmaking. Methods: Based on literature, a focus on how circularity indicators and LCA could be used in circular decision making ispresented. Moreover, an analysis of recent studies has been carried out to identify the relationship between LCAand circularity indicators. Results and discussion: We can state that no authors have concluded that circularity indicators can be used alone to choose the best optionin circular economy projects. This is because the circularity indicators only provide a partial view on theenvironmental performance of a system. At the same time, it appears that the circularity indicators are easier tocommunicate, and a high degree of circularity could help to build good relationships with customers and increasereputation among stakeholders, as well as to have an easier access to funding. Conclusions and recommendations: At the end, we propose a procedure to include both the LCA and the circularity measurement in the assessment ofcircular economy strategies. While still at an early stage of conceptualisation, it gives an idea on how to integrateenvironmental sustainability aspects into circular economy initiatives.
Life cycle assessment and circularity indicators
Rigamonti L. (Autor:in) / Mancini E. (Autor:in) / Rigamonti, L. / Mancini, E.
01.01.2021
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
DDC:
690
Elsevier | 2025
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