Are Industrial Ecology, Circular Economy and Zero Waste Converging or Diverging Frameworks for Sustainable Resource and Waste Management?

Waste management challenges are intensifying despite various sustainability efforts. Emerging concepts such as Industrial Ecology (IE), Circular Economy (CE), and Zero Waste (ZW) have been embraced by stakeholders to address legacy waste challenges. While existing reviews examine IE, CE, and ZW separately, no prior study has quantitatively compared their conceptual attributes using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). This study systematically reviewed and analysed 108 peer-reviewed articles and grey literature identified through the PRISMA approach to clearly distinguish the similarities, differences, and specific applications of the IE, CE, and ZW concepts. In addition to the bibliometric analysis, a PCA was conducted on 22 identified attributes. The findings indicate that the IE, CE, and ZW approaches converge on a shared goal of moving away from the linear “take–make–waste” systems toward a circular system. However, the divergence exists in the scale, scope and application of these approaches. IE emphasises the techno-industrial optimisation and is most actionable for industrial precincts and supply-chain coordination. ZW is driven by prevention, behavioural change, and local governance, offering practical guidance for cities and community-scale implementation. CE occupies an intermediate, bridging position, connecting industrial efficiency and value-retention strategies with broader design and policy agendas. The study further outlines the contextual suitability of IE, CE, and ZW across different practical settings and governance dimensions. It is expected to assist policymakers and industry stakeholders in determining concept-specific applications, thereby enabling more effective implementation beyond aspirational commitments.