Circular economy indicators: What do they measure?

Circular economy (CE) is gaining momentum particularly in the European Union as a pathway toward more responsible resource use and sustainable development. While CE is widely promoted, what it actually measures and how remains unclear. 

This report proposes a structured framework to classify CE indicators, helping policymakers and practitioners understand what strategies are measured and how.

The study organizes CE indicators by two key dimensions: CE strategies (what is being preserved, such as materials, products, components or energy) and measurement scope (how impacts are assessed across environmental, social, and economic dimensions, with or without Life Cycle Thinking)