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Tracking resource efficiency and circular economy performance — CERE-indicators for small and medium-sized companies

Author

Listed:
  • Alexandra Vogt

    (Pforzheim University)

  • Ingela Tietze

    (Pforzheim University)

  • Philipp Preiss

    (Pforzheim University)

  • Claus Lang-Koetz

    (Pforzheim University)

Abstract

The energy and raw material transition pose substantial challenges, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In the chemical and process industry, this transformation is especially demanding due to the need to transform complex production systems on top of inter- and intra-organizational processes towards sustainability, where a nexus perspective — linking energy, materials, and organizational systems — is essential. To address these challenges effectively, it is essential to employ tools that facilitate the systematic identification and selection of measures aimed at enhancing circular economy and resource efficiency practices within organizations. Indicators play a critical role in this context as they are a prerequisite for quantifying processes, assessing performance, and increasing transparency. They provide a foundation for strategic decision making and align measures to company goals. Accordingly, circular economy and resource efficiency indicators are indispensable for unlocking sustainability potentials within companies. This paper presents a set of (Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency) CERE indicators for SMEs in the chemical industry, with the objective of identifying suitable measures, consolidating results, and establishing a long-term key performance indicator (KPI) system to enhance resource efficiency and promote a circular economy. To address these targets, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify relevant sets of indicators associated the circular economy and resource efficiency. These sets were then assessed against defined requirements to determine the most suitable ones. The overarching CERE indicator set was developed, allowing for an overall assessment in organizations. While the developed set of CERE indicators has been demonstrated to be practical, the research highlights persistent structural gaps, particularly in the context of circular economy management within companies. These gaps still need to be overcome.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexandra Vogt & Ingela Tietze & Philipp Preiss & Claus Lang-Koetz, 2025. "Tracking resource efficiency and circular economy performance — CERE-indicators for small and medium-sized companies," Sustainability Nexus Forum, Springer, vol. 33(1), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sumafo:v:33:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s00550-025-00564-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s00550-025-00564-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Figge, Frank & Thorpe, Andrea Stevenson & Givry, Philippe & Canning, Louise & Franklin-Johnson, Elizabeth, 2018. "Longevity and Circularity as Indicators of Eco-Efficient Resource Use in the Circular Economy," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 150(C), pages 297-306.
    2. Marcus Linder & Steven Sarasini & Patricia Loon, 2017. "A Metric for Quantifying Product-Level Circularity," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 21(3), pages 545-558, June.
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