SMEs Circular Economy Practices in the European Union: Multilevel Implications for Sustainability

• DOI: 10.1007/s11205-023-03191-w
• Publication Date: 2023-08-24T17:02:30Z
• Authors: Nunzio Tritto; José G. Dias; Francesca Bassi
• Keywords: Circular Economy; Benchmarking; Consumption

Abstract This paper examines the willingness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in European Union (EU) to implement Circular Economy (CE) practices, i.e. re-planning use water reduce consumption maximize reuse, using renewable energy sources, its use, reducing waste by recycling or reusing selling it another company, redesigning products services materials recycled materials. These aspects are conceived as indicators CE which is explained factors at company country levels. The dataset comes from a unique survey involving more than 10,000 SMEs EU. hierarchical structure – companies within countries was analyzed multilevel factor model that takes into account heterogeneity between countries. variables company-level are: size (number employees total turnover 2015), foundation, sector economic activity, type clients goods, percentage invested R&D. Country-level covariates cover different dimensions sustainability: per capita GDP, illiteracy rate, generation, corruption perception index. At levels country, there explain attitude towards CE. Finally, scores both show split Western Eastern (with few exceptions) regarding activities define regional implications EU policies CE, particular context Green Deal.