Analyzing product circularity: a comparative assessment of existing approaches and development of a retention-option-weighted multi-criteria assessment tool

ABSTRACT: The circular economy is central to sustainability, yet many products cannot comply to its principles. Equally, assessing circularity remains challenging due to the multitude and complexity of approaches. This contribution presents a feasible multi-criteria assessment tool, grounded in established DfCE principles, for evaluating product circularity at various system levels. Developed through an exploratory literature review, it integrates qualitative and quantitative indicators with a retention-option-based weighting system. Its applicability is demonstrated through a medium-complex case study.