Usability and Usefulness of Circularity Indicators for Manufacturing Performance Management

Advances in industrial digitalization present many opportunities for process and product data exploitation in manufacturing, unlocking new systemic measures of performance beyond a single machine, process, facility area and even beyond the factory gates. However, existing data models and manufacturing systems’ performance measures are still focused on productivity, quality and delivery time, which could potentially lead to an accelerated linear economy. To shift to more circular industrial systems, we need to identify and assess circularity opportunities in ways that align the goals of sustainable and industrial development. In this study, micro-level circular indicators were reviewed, selected, analysed and tested in a manufacturing company to evaluate their usability and usefulness to guide process improvements. The aim is to enable circular and eco-efficient solutions towards sustainable production systems. Usability and usefulness of the indicators are essential to their integration into established environmental and operations management systems. The main contribution of this study is in the identification of key features making circularity indicators usable and useful from a manufacturer’s perspective. The conclusion also suggests directions for further research on tools and methods to support circular manufacturing.