Factors associated with the sustainability of circular economy programs in organizations: a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Circular economy programs require organizations to transform business models, material flows, and relationships with suppliers and customers. Their continuity depends on economic, cultural, technological, regulatory, and relational factors that determine whether an initiative becomes institutionalized or remains temporary. Method: A PRISMA 2020 systematic review of Scopus-indexed studies published from 2019 to 2024 was conducted. Search terms combined circular economy, circular business models, organizations, sustainability, implementation, barriers, drivers, and facilitators. Explicit eligibility criteria, structured extraction, and methodological appraisal were applied. Fifteen studies formed the qualitative synthesis and were compared across business-model, organizational, relational, and external dimensions. Results: Favorable factors included economically coherent business models, leadership oriented toward circularity, technical and financial capabilities, value-chain collaboration, and regulatory incentives. Barriers included initial costs, cultural resistance, capability shortages, dependence on partners, unstable market signals, and inadequate metrics. Sustainability increased when circularity was incorporated into investment, purchasing, design, indicators, and organizational learning. The relative importance of individual factors varied according to sector, firm size, supply-chain position, and maturity of the circular initiative. Conclusions: Continuity of circular economy programs requires organizations to convert isolated initiatives into durable capabilities and routines. Regulation can accelerate change but cannot replace a viable value proposition or collaboration with external partners. Continuous measurement, learning, and reinvestment are essential to sustain environmental and economic benefits over time.