Embedding Circular Operations in Manufacturing: A Conceptual Model for Operational Sustainability and Resource Efficiency

Antonius Setyadi (), Suharno Pawirosumarto and Alana Damaris
Additional contact information
Antonius Setyadi: Faculty of Economic and Business, Universitas Mercu Buana, Jakarta 11650, Indonesia
Suharno Pawirosumarto: Doctor Management in Program, Universitas Putra Indonesia YPTK, Padang 25147, Indonesia
Alana Damaris: Faculty of Economic and Business, Universitas Mercu Buana, Jakarta 11650, Indonesia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-29

Abstract: In response to growing environmental pressures and material constraints, circular economy principles are gaining traction across manufacturing sectors. However, most existing frameworks emphasize design and supply chain considerations, with limited focus on how circularity can be operationalized within internal manufacturing systems. This paper proposes a conceptual model that embeds circular operations at the core of production strategy. Grounded in circular economy theory, operations management, and socio-technical systems thinking, the model identifies four key operational pillars: circular input management, looping process and waste valorization, product-life extension, and reverse logistics. These are supported by enabling factors—digital infrastructure, organizational culture, and leadership—and mediated by operational flexibility, which facilitates adaptive, closed-loop performance. The model aims to align internal processes with long-term sustainability outcomes, specifically resource efficiency and operational resilience. Practical implications are outlined for resource-intensive industries such as automotive, electronics, and FMCG, along with a readiness assessment framework for guiding implementation. This study offers a pathway for future empirical research and policy development by integrating circular logic into the structural and behavioral dimensions of operations. The model contributes to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 and SDG 12, by positioning circularity as a regenerative operational strategy rather than a peripheral initiative.

Keywords: circular operations; operational sustainability; resource efficiency; socio-technical systems; manufacturing strategy; reverse logistics; product-life extension; operational flexibility (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/15/6737/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/15/6737/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:15:p:6737-:d:1709063

Access Statistics for this article

Sustainability is currently edited by Ms. Alexandra Wu

More articles in Sustainability from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().