ABSTRACT
The outcomes that the circular economy helps create are the most important things to measure: the amount of desirable materials saved, the money earned, and the carbon emissions (or water) avoided. These are the kind of indicators that can most easily be turned into forward targets, because one knows exactly what they are seeking to change. Given the variety of metrics available and breadth of experience already built up in the business world, there is no excuse for failing to put in place some key metrics as part of a company's participation in the circular economy. However, the process helps to identify what information is needed from suppliers, which in turn helps them to put the right systems in place. It may help to convene suppliers at the start of the process to share available information and identify gaps. The overall lesson is that information and expertise is needed from all players to generate robust system-wide indicators of progress.
