Circular supply chain: literature review and theoretical framework

Abstract

Purpose – to review literature about circular supply chain (CSC) theories, methods, frameworks, and applications in industries. For organizations to incorporate circular economy (CE) principles in their supply chain framework are required to address the main circular processes. Previous attempts of frameworks aim at the comprehensive approaches or too theoretical for organizations to use them. The objective is to propose a theoretical framework that allows organizations to prioritize main circular processes in order to start improving or introducing new circular processes in the supply chain. Research methodology – the methodology of the article consists of a literature review and information synthesis for the formulation of the theoretical framework. Web of Science database was used for literature review with the key words of “circular economy supply chain”. Findings – formulated theoretical CSC framework contributes to the CSC research field with a more organization-orientated approach. Research limitations – the proposed framework is limited through only theoretical propositions and is more limited in its scope compared to other researchers. Practical implications – organizations in the supply chain such as manufacturers can understand through a framework main processes required for CSC. Originality/Value – compared to other researchers this work emphasizes and proposes CSC development from an organizational perspective rather than from a holistic approach.