Collaboration towards the design of sustainable and circular value chains

The transition to a circular economy (CE) is essential for extending product lifespans and maximizing resource use, contributing to resource efficiency and sustainability. Circular solutions demand extensive collaboration across the value chain, encompassing suppliers, distributors, and consumers. Based on a review of literature and existing frameworks for the design of circular value propositions, this study investigates key factors enabling collaboration within circular value chains and evaluates the extent to which existing frameworks address value chain collaboration. Nine key factors for collaborative circular value chains were identified: sustainability leadership, value mapping, shared vision building, trust-building, collaborative governance, collaborative processes, ecosystem perspectives and orchestration, and monitoring and evaluation. The analysis of 38 frameworks showed strong focus on value chain collaboration, but the ecosystem perspective and links to digitalisation and data sharing were underrepresented. The research highlights the role of collaborative governance and ecosystem orchestration in addressing challenges such as stakeholder engagement, data management, and balancing competitive and collaborative interests. Future research should focus on developing tools and frameworks that emphasize the intersection of sustainability, circularity, value chain collaboration, and digitalisation and data management. Comprehensive approaches are needed to help manufacturers develop capabilities for sustainable circular ecosystems, aligning roles and incentives between partners, facilitating collaboration and co-creation, and enhancing data sharing and management. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors necessary for sustainable collaborative circular value chains, providing a foundation for further research and practical guidance for industry.