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Scientific Article details

Title Circular economy at the company level: An empirical study based on sustainability reports
ID_Doc 2066
Authors Heras-Saizarbitoria, I; Boiral, O; Testa, F
Title Circular economy at the company level: An empirical study based on sustainability reports
Year 2023
Published Sustainable Development, 31, 4
DOI 10.1002/sd.2507
Abstract Circular economy (CE) has attracted both media and academic interest. However, there is a lack of empirical work that clarifies the specific activities involved in CE at the firm level. To fill this gap, this article offers an analysis of how firms disclose information about their activities associated with CE, based on an extensive worldwide dataset of sustainability reports from 1367 companies. The findings point to a rather limited, superficial and reductionist use of the concept of CE by firms. The concept of CE is only mentioned in around 16% of cases, and, when it is mentioned, it is mostly associated with conventional practices such as waste management and recycling. Conversely, core practices associated with CE, such as reduction, reuse, and remanufacture, are rarely considered. Further avenues for research and implications for managers, public policy makers and other stakeholders are discussed.
Author Keywords circular economy; empirical study; GRI; sustainability reporting
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Social Science Citation Index (SSCI)
EID WOS:000923604900001
WoS Category Development Studies; Green & Sustainable Science & Technology; Regional & Urban Planning
Research Area Development Studies; Science & Technology - Other Topics; Public Administration
PDF https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/sd.2507
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