Methodologies and tools of the circular economy applied in the industrial sector: a systematic literature review

Resumen

The circular economy is a key approach to industrial sustainability, promoting the reduction of natural resource consumption, waste minimization, and recycling. Its implementation transforms traditional production and consumption models into more efficient and responsible systems. This study analyzes methodologies and tools for applying the circular economy, with a particular focus on its integration into the early stages of product development. Research in this field has grown exponentially, with a significant increase in publications in 2023 and 2024. Brazil and Italy stand out as the main contributors, reflecting global interest in adopting circular strategies across various industrial sectors. The findings highlight that the circular economy optimizes material use, promotes sustainable consumption models, and reduces large-scale resource extraction. Its application not only decreases waste but also enables the design of longer-lasting products, mitigating environmental issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss. One of the most environmentally impactful sectors is the textile industry, driven by fast fashion, which is characterized by high consumption of water, land, and chemicals. The circular economy emerges as an alternative to mitigate these effects through sustainable strategies in design, manufacturing, and recycling, fostering a more responsable production system.