From concept to practice: understanding divergent views on circular economy barriers

Purpose Although the circular economy is an emerging topic, the related concepts remain at the development stage. For example, 114 definitions of the circular economy exist. However, despite such a significant quantity of research, there is still a considerable gap between theory and practice. This study aims to investigate the level of consensus between practice and academia in perceiving the circular economy, with a specific focus on the perceived barriers to circularity in the fast fashion industry. Design/methodology/approach Using both a systematic literature review and primary investigation, 241 barriers were identified, and the relevant similarities and dissimilarities between them were noted. Findings The results demonstrate a lack of clear certification and an overlap between sustainability and circularity. Nevertheless, there was some convergence between the two study groups. Research limitations/implications It is crucial to acknowledge potential variations in findings among the studies included because of their unique features and the challenges of generalising them to other contexts. Practical implications This research can help align academic insights with practical challenges, enabling fast fashion companies to more effectively address circular economy barriers and implement sustainable strategies. Originality/value We present a comparative analysis of practitioners’ and academics’ perceptions of circular economy barriers, grounded in the research–practice gap.