Entrepreneurial perspective of the circular economy: Origin and principles towards a sustainable world

Published: Nov 6, 2025

Abstract:

Purpose: This paper aims to add to the discourse on circular economy by further explaining the concept of CE and its application in entrepreneurship and business to ensure a cleaner environment in quest of a sustainable world.

Research Methodology: This study adopted in-depth qualitative exploratory review of relevant work related to the scope of the study. The study collected secondary data from relevant materials including articles, conference papers, company publications, theses, books, periodicals and other documents available on the internet.

Results: The study findings argue that CE system centers around a regenerative, and restorative economic system, anchored on 7Rs principles. Businesses, entrepreneurs, government and policy makers must be mindful of the importance of CE to ensure responsible sustainable production and consumption in quest of a sustainable world.

Conclusions: The study concludes that the adoption of CE plays a key role in achieving economic stability, environmental protection, social well-being, thereby accelerating SDGs.

Limitations: This study is limited to the concept of CE, principles and application in pursuit of economic stability, environmental protection and social well-being as well as achieving sustainable world.

Contributions: This study will aid organizations, researchers, entrepreneurs, government, and community leaders to develop and implement policies that will ensure a cleaner environment for a sustainable future for all.

Keywords:
1. Circular Economy
2. 7Rs
3. CE Principles
4. Origin of Circular Economy
5. Waste Management
Authors:
1 . Yilkes Danladi Nson
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3206-7784
2 . Abimaje Solomon Adejoh
How to Cite
Nson, Y. D., & Adejoh , A. S. (2025). Entrepreneurial perspective of the circular economy: Origin and principles towards a sustainable world. Annals of Management and Organization Research, 7(2), 269–281. https://doi.org/10.35912/amor.v7i2.2693

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References

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    Afnan, D., Wijaya, M., Kartono, D. T., & Wibowo, A. (2024). Sustainability strategy: Strengthening SDGs desa through CSR communication program. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 5(3), 179-190. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/joste.v5i3.1726

    Aithal, S., & Aithal, P. (2023). Importance of circular economy for resource optimization in various industry sectors–A review-based opportunity analysis. International Journal of Applied Engineering and Management Letters (IJAEML), 7(2), 191-215. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4575631

    Baldassarre, B. (2025). Circular economy for resource security in the European Union (EU): Case study, research framework, and future directions. Ecological Economics, 227, 108345. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2024.108345

    Bjeli?, D., Malinovi?, B., Marki?, D. N., & Valjevac, M. D. (2023). Sustainable tyres waste management in a circular economy. Paper presented at the The conference proceedings were prepared and published with the financial support of the Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Projects Program of the European Union, No. 619927.

    Carlsen, L., & Bruggemann, R. (2022). The 17 United Nations’ sustainable development goals: A status by 2020. International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology, 29(3), 219-229. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/13504509.2021.1948456

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    Cullen, U. A., & De Angelis, R. (2021). Circular entrepreneurship: A business model perspective. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 168, 105300. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2020.105300

    Gardetti, M. A. (2019). Introduction and the concept of circular economy Circular economy in textiles and apparel (pp. 1-11): Elsevier.

    Hák, T., Janoušková, S., & Moldan, B. (2016). Sustainable Development Goals: A need for relevant indicators. Ecological indicators, 60, 565-573. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2015.08.003

    Ifeoluwa, O. B. (2019). Harmful effects and management of indiscriminate solid waste disposal on human and its environment in Nigeria: a review. Global journal of research and review, 6(1), 1-4.

    Islam, N. F., Gogoi, B., Saikia, R., Yousaf, B., Narayan, M., & Sarma, H. (2024). Encouraging circular economy and sustainable environmental practices by addressing waste management and biomass energy production. Regional Sustainability, 5(4), 100174. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100174

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    Kiaušien?, I., Hladkova, V., & Mak?nait?, G. (2024). Application of circular economy principles in the tourism sector. Management theory and studies for rural business and infrastructure development., 46(1), 31-44. doi:https://doi.org/10.15544/mts.2024.04

    Levchenko, S. A., & Orlov, A. V. (2023). New Digital Tools for a Circular Economy in the Construction Industry. Paper presented at the he circular economy: “the number one priority” for the European Green Deal.

    MacArthur, E. (2013). Towards the circular economy. Journal of industrial ecology, 2(1), 23-44.

    Malhotra, G. (2023). Impact of circular economy practices on supply chain capability, flexibility and sustainable supply chain performance. The International Journal of Logistics Management(ahead-of-print). doi:https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-01-2023-0019

    Marinkovi?, T., Ignjatovi?, J., & Batini?, B. (2023). Barriers and priorities of Serbia on the way to a circular economy: a case study of electrical and electronic waste management. The circular economy:“the number one priority” for the European Green Deal, Educons University, Sofia, 173-183.

    McDonough, W., & Braungart, M. (2010). Cradle to cradle: Remaking the way we make things: North point press.

    Mohajan, H. K. (2021). Cradle to cradle is a sustainable economic policy for the better future. Annals of Spiru Haret University. Economic Series, 21(4), 569-582.

    Nikonorova, M., Imoniana, J. O., & Stankeviciene, J. (2020). Analysis of social dimension and well-being in the context of circular economy. International Journal of Global Warming, 21(3), 299-316. doi:https://doi.org/10.1504/IJGW.2020.108678

    Nson, Y. D. (2024). Sustainability of the society through green human resources management practices: A proposed model. Annals of Human Resource Management Research, 4(1), 43-59. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/ahrmr.v4i1.2161

    Okechukwu, N. (2024). (NESREA) and the Challenges of Environmental Regulation in Nigeria. British Journal of Mass Communication and Media Research, 4, 1-11. doi:https://doi.og/10.52589/BJMCMR-FLJQLR8S

    Pani?, A. A., & Brljak, Z. (n.d.). Circular economy in the Republic of Serbia. Retrieved from https://cirecon.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/andrejevic-brljak.pdf

    Petkovi?, B. (2023). Circular economy as a model for economic development of Repiblic of Serbia. Paper presented at the The conference proceedings were prepared and published with the financial support of the Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Projects Program of the European Union, No. 619927.

    Renfors, S.-M. (2024). Education for the circular economy in higher education: an overview of the current state. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 25(9), 111-127. doi:https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-07-2023-0270

    Sverko Grdic, Z., Krstinic Nizic, M., & Rudan, E. (2020). Circular economy concept in the context of economic development in EU countries. Sustainability, 12(7), 1-13. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/su12073060

    Tanha, M., Siddique, M. A., Sumon, M. M. I., Nurulhoque, M., Sazin, R., & Hossain, P. (2023). Cash Recycling Machine (CRM) & its impact on customer satisfaction: A study on UCB PLC. Annals of Management and Organization Research, 5(2), 72-97. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/amor.v5i2.1753

    Udodiugwu, M. I. (2024). Sustainable waste management and organizational performance of food and beverage firms. Annals of Management and Organization Research, 5(4), 241-254. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/amor.v5i4.2004

    Udodiugwu, M. I., Obikaor, U. J., Eneremadu, K. E., Onwuegbuchulem, N. C., & Anyaegbunam, C. E. (2025). Promoting environmental sustainability through eco-friendly products: A critical review for sustainable development. Annals of Management and Organization Research, 6(3), 247-252. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/amor.v6i3.2305

    UN. (2015). Global Sustainable Development Report, 2015 edition. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/en/development/desa/publications/global-sustainable-development-report-2015-edition.html

    UN. (2024). Global Waste Management Outlook 2024. Retrieved from https://www.unep.org/resources/global-waste-management-outlook-2024#:~:text=Municipal%20solid%20waste%20generation%20is,an%20estimated%20USD%20252%20billion

    Vasi?, B., Milovanovi?, A., & Gruji?, J. (2023). Roadmap for circular economy in Serbia. Paper presented at the The conference proceedings were prepared and published with the financial support of the Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Projects Program of the European Union, No. 619927.

    Velenturf, A. P., & Purnell, P. (2021). Principles for a sustainable circular economy. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 27, 1437-1457. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2021.02.018

    Vukadinovi?, S. (2023). Circular economy in the Western Balkans countries. Paper presented at the Proceedings from the International Conference “The circular economy:“the number one priority” for the European Green Deal”, September 19-21, 2022 in Sremska Kamenica, Novi Sad.

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  2. Afnan, D., Wijaya, M., Kartono, D. T., & Wibowo, A. (2024). Sustainability strategy: Strengthening SDGs desa through CSR communication program. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 5(3), 179-190. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/joste.v5i3.1726
  3. Aithal, S., & Aithal, P. (2023). Importance of circular economy for resource optimization in various industry sectors–A review-based opportunity analysis. International Journal of Applied Engineering and Management Letters (IJAEML), 7(2), 191-215. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4575631
  4. Baldassarre, B. (2025). Circular economy for resource security in the European Union (EU): Case study, research framework, and future directions. Ecological Economics, 227, 108345. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2024.108345
  5. Bjeli?, D., Malinovi?, B., Marki?, D. N., & Valjevac, M. D. (2023). Sustainable tyres waste management in a circular economy. Paper presented at the The conference proceedings were prepared and published with the financial support of the Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Projects Program of the European Union, No. 619927.
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