Current Practices in Using Performance Indicators to Integrate Sustainability and Circularity Aspects in Product Realisation

Abstract The integration of sustainability and circularity into product realisation is essential for achieving the goals of the green transition. Performance indicators are widely recognised as tools for translating strategic objectives into measurable outcomes, yet their consistent implementation in industrial practice remains limited. This study explores how sustainability and circularity aspects are currently expressed through performance indicators in product realisation and how practitioners perceive their use. A study consisting of 40 semi-structured interviews with eight manufacturing companies was conducted, involving practitioners from various functions working within product realisation. Mentioned performance indicators, perceived challenges, and future wishes regarding indicator use were compiled, categorised and analysed. The findings confirm that environmental indicators dominate current practice, while social and economic dimensions are rarely addressed; circularity is primarily reflected through the principle of reduce. Practitioners highlighted challenges such as the complexity of measuring sustainability and circularity aspects and poor integration, alongside wishes for systematic performance indicator integration, robust tools with reliable data, and improved knowledge.