Assessing the Readiness of Global Supply Chains for Circular Economy Transition: A Multi- Criteria Evaluation Framework

Global supply chains are increasingly being called upon to transition from traditional linear production and consumption models toward circular economy (CE) practices, driven by rising sustainability pressures, resource scarcity, and evolving regulatory frameworks. Linear supply chains, characterized by the “take, make, dispose” approach, are no longer sufficient to meet the environmental, economic, and social expectations of governments, customers, and other stakeholders. As organizations face growing scrutiny over their environmental footprint and sustainability commitments, adopting circular principles—such as product life-cycle extension, remanufacturing, recycling, and material reuse—has become a strategic imperative. However, despite the widespread recognition of the benefits of circularity, the level of preparedness for such a transition differs markedly across industries, organizational types, and geographical regions, indicating a critical need for systematic assessment of readiness. To address this gap, the present study proposes a Multi-Criteria Evaluation Framework (MCEF) that provides a structured approach to evaluating circular economy readiness in global supply chains. The framework is developed through a synthesis of academic literature, established sustainability and circular economy theories, and expert insights from practitioners experienced in supply chain operations and sustainability initiatives. By integrating multiple perspectives, the MCEF captures the multidimensional nature of CE adoption and identifies the factors that enable or constrain successful transition. The framework organizes readiness into four key dimensions: technological readiness, which assesses digital infrastructure and operational capabilities; organizational readiness, which evaluates leadership, skills, and collaboration with suppliers; environmental readiness, which examines compliance with regulations and resource efficiency; and economic readiness, which considers investment capacity, market demand, and business model innovation. The study argues that digital capabilities, collaborative supplier networks, and strategic leadership commitment are central to achieving circular transformation. By providing both theoretical clarity and actionable guidance, the proposed framework offers value to scholars, managers, and policymakers seeking to accelerate the transition toward more sustainable and circular global supply chains.