In the process of preserving and reusing resources, traditional supply chain management transforms into a more circular system. This transformation is linked to much more sustainable economic growth. Although the firms are strongly trying to integrate the approach of circular economy but observed variability in their performance (Huttmanová et al., 2024). The sustainable business strategies have considerable attention to implement circular economy model (Hamouda, 2024).
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Circular Supply Chain Strategies
It is very vital in the paradigm of circular supply chain (CSC) to investigate the relationship between its performance and undertaken strategies. Because the CSC approach has the direct benefits of driving the sustainability as a whole by minimizing waste and pollution (Zanon et al., 2024; Ezekwu, 2025). Due to the cost-effectiveness nature of the circular strategies, it can enhance the efficiency and operational performance (Farazi, 2024). The technique adds value by designing, recycling, and regenerating the new goods and services and further using the stable resources (Marquina et al., 2022). Circular thining is the main management process of circular supply chain. This new way of thinking is getting popularity in academic arena as an emerging field of research (Montag, 2023). However, CSC is not yet got the sufficient attention among the researcher despite of its importance and growing interest (Hazen et al., 2020; Sehnem et al., 2019).
Opposite Views on Circular Supply Chain
There are some opposing views on the recycling process concerning sustainability. Burning or landfilling is considered more sustainable due to complexities in waste collection and separation. It may incur extra costs and environmental losses (Sehnem et al., 2019). Thus, the differed system of circular supply chain than traditional business model does not only depend on mere principle of sustainable business model but also considers the entire supply chain through the creation and retention of values (Bocken et al., 2018; Geissdoerfer et al., 2018; Urbinati et al., 2017; Batista et al., 2018; Farooque et al., 2019). It has a great role of digital technologies like blockchain can enhance the traceability and accountablity, internet of things (IoT) increases the operational efficiency and Artificial Intelegences (AI) can predict future production by optimizing the use of resources (Farazi, 2024; Zardo et al., 2024). Sometimes it will be very difficult to balance growth and sustainability as the initial implementation could incure high cost and setting up proper regulatory environment, specifically the stakeholder collaborations (Ezekwu, 2025; Zanon et al., 2024). Ezekwu’s recent research highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement. It also emphasizes the role of technological solutions in implementing circular supply chain strategies.
Link Between Circular Economy and Supply Chain
The link between circular economy and supply chain management has been explored to some extent. This is analyzed in the context of both developed and developing countries. Earlier research explored the need of proper evidences for defining the concept and constraints of circular supply chain implementation (CSC) relative to the traditional system (González-Sánchez et al., 2020). There are various drivers, director and practitioners of CSC in sustainable business performance (Farooque et al., 2019). There are existing gaps in the literature regarding the definition of CSC. There are also gaps in its execution and evaluation in competitive market economies (Marquina, 2022). But issue is competitive in new literature. Govindan and Hasanagic, (2018) and Masi et al. (2017) studied the link between sustainable supply chain and circular economy by systematic review.
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