Exploring Product Circularity Indicators: Assessing Applicability Across Diverse Product Categories

In response to the growing emphasis on circular economy in recent years, the relevance of assessment tools and indicators has become increasingly apparent. This work investigates the applicability of circularity indicators at the product level with the aim to determine their universal relevance regardless of specific product attributes. Through a systematic approach, fourteen product circularity indicators were identified as representative of various circular economy strategies and were then assessed across eighteen different products. Administering a structured survey to circular economy experts provided insights into indicator applicability, revealing challenges across diverse product categories such as services, consumables, organics, and disposables. Notably, indicators targeting end-of-life strategies demonstrated limited applicability. The study highlights the necessity for tailored indicators to effectively evaluate circularity, especially within specific industries such as organic products, disposables, and services. Furthermore, we explored how participants’ familiarity with products influenced their perception of indicator applicability. In conclusion, this work addresses a critical gap in understanding indicator applicability and stresses the importance of cautiously selecting indicators based on product characteristics. Future studies may focus on refining the assessment framework proposed in this work and developing or adapting assessment solutions to overcome current limitations in applicability.