Metrics for Sustainability and Circular Economy Practices in Context to Modern Manufacturing Environment

This study highlights the growing importance of integrating circular economy principles and sustainability metrics within the manufacturing domain. By adopting these practices, companies can minimize resource consumption, reduce waste generation, and promote the efficient use of materials throughout the entire product lifecycle. Despite recognizing the potential benefits, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding and effective implementation strategies. To address these gaps, this work aims to develop methodological implementation of circularity and sustainability metrics for modern manufacturing industries, in order to: (1) identify the circularity metrics used so far and their significance, (2) development of CE definition anchored in the sustainability concept, and (3) provide recommendations on basis of qualitative i.e. case study and quantitative i.e. analytic hierarchy process (AHP) based decisions making method. By identifying challenges and proposing metrics for evaluation, it enriches academic discourse on sustainable manufacturing practices. Moreover, the study likely draws on theories from sustainability, management, and engineering disciplines to develop a holistic understanding of the subject. From a practical standpoint, the study offers valuable insights for manufacturing practitioners and policymakers. It underscores the importance of integrating circular economy principles into business strategies to enhance resource efficiency and environmental stewardship. Moreover, the proposed sustainability metrics provide practical tools for companies to assess and improve their sustainability performance. However, the study also acknowledges the practical challenges hindering the widespread adoption of circular economy practices and suggests the need for innovative management approaches and interdisciplinary collaborations to overcome these barriers. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.