ABSTRACT
In recent years, the linear approach adopted in design and production has been criticized by researchers as wasteful and inefficient and an alternative is seen in the circular economy (CE). The researchers’ objectives were to explore the nature of CE in enterprises and potential for process frameworks to support CE in process planning, lifecycle design and development through information flows in Industry 4.0.
This chapter discusses the multifaceted dimensions of the CE concept by providing a comprehensive overview and summary of the current CE movement and Industry 4.0 technologies that facilitate CE. The researchers review several process frameworks with particular attention to the APQC's Process Classification Framework (PCF). This research investigated 333 global enterprises employing the PCF Framework and considered process elements relevant to CE activities. The CE statements of enterprises were analyzed to determine if they align with PCF business processes. The findings show that 47% of the enterprises evidenced a CE statement on their websites, and the results illustrate where they engage in specific process stages with limited engagement shown in CE loops.
The researchers developed a theoretical model to study the many-sided features of CE, associated processes and Industry 4.0 to improve understanding of operational processes implementation.
