From linear to loop: practical frameworks for achieving circularity in additive manufacturing

A circular economy (CE) business strategy can boost corporate value and promote sustainable additive manufacturing (AM) processes. Our research aims to help AM value chain players adopt circularity. We used a systematic literature review to identify AM circularity barriers and solutions to push circular practices, and a fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) analysis to analyse barrier dependence on others. Our research identified cost-related, intra-organizational, inter-organizational and technical constraints in CE as well as strategies to overcome them. Prioritizing technical challenges is essential, as the fuzzy DEMATEL analysis showed that the main root causes are technological constraints. For instance, enhancing the quality of recycled materials through supplier cooperation ought to be a top priority to boost their popularity in AM manufacturing. Based on these discoveries, we created two complimentary frameworks to help AM stakeholders (Government, Society, Organizations, Consumers, Suppliers and Local Communities) across the supply chain adopt successful solutions. The first framework assigns stakeholders defined duties and tactics for each barrier. The second framework prioritizes addressing influential root causes before tackling their effects, illustrating how targeting foundational issues can drive systemic improvements. We demonstrate how the two frameworks can be combined in practice.