Circularity assessment

Question 1

What do we mean by circularity?

Answer 1

• Social, Environmental & Economic Circularity
• Focuses on “9Rs” approach → recycle, recover, reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacture, repurpose, refuse, rethink, reduce
• Circularity Assessment attempts to quantify circularity

Question 2

How to measure CE?

Answer 2

Metrics such as circularity indices need to fulfill 3 basic criteria to assess progress toward CE → validity, reliability, utility

Question 3

What are some CE validity requirements?

Answer 3

• Reduce input of scarce resources
• Reduce emission levels
• Reduce material losses/waste
• Increase renewable/recycled resource input
• Maximize product utility and durability
• Create local jobs across skill levels
• Create and distribute value
• Increase social wellbeing

Question 4

Describe different circularity metrics

Answer 4

MCI = Material circularity indicator:
measures the level of linear and restorative flows and the product’s total utility.
(! No information about its sustainability.)

PCI = Product circularity indicator:
builds on the MCI and includes recycled materials as part of the material level.

Question 5

What are some critical concers with CE?

Answer 5

• Quality degradation of recycled materials
• Realistic system boundaries
• Material traceability
• Recovery barriers
• Social aspects (jobs, wellbeing)

Question 6

Name some Circularity Assessment Frameworks

Answer 6

• Material Flow Analysis
• Life Cycle Analysis
• Input-Output Analysis
• Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA)
• Product Circularity Indicator