Transitioning from traditional linear supply chains to circular and regenerative systems represents a critical shift in sustainable development. The growing complexity and global reach of supply chains have intensified challenges related to resource scarcity, waste generation, emissions, and vulnerability to climate and geopolitical disruptions. Over recent years, the circular economy framework has emerged as a transformative approach, prioritizing the elimination of waste, continual use of resources, and the restoration of natural systems. While Industry 4.0 technologies, innovative materials, and supportive regulatory landscapes have accelerated progress, persistent gaps remain—including the challenge of scaling practices globally and inclusively, and achieving effective collaboration among various stakeholders. As the urgency to meet ambitious sustainability targets mounts, there is a clear need for robust investigation into holistic, cross-disciplinary strategies for circularity in supply chains.

This Research Topic aims to explore and showcase the transformative potential of circular economy thinking in reshaping global production and supply networks. By integrating insights from engineering, operations management, social sciences, and policy, the topic seeks to illuminate pathways that employ digital technologies, advanced materials, adaptive business models, and new forms of governance to achieve more regenerative and sustainability-oriented supply chains. The objective is not only to map these innovations and strategies, but also to deepen conceptual understanding and provide actionable knowledge for industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers. Ultimately, the goal is to facilitate the broad adoption and scaling of circular and regenerative practices, thereby enabling production systems that are more resource-efficient, resilient, and aligned with net-zero and human-centric imperatives.

The scope of this Research Topic encompasses both emerging trends and established practices in the transformation of supply chains and production systems toward circularity and regeneration. Contributions are expected to critically assess boundaries, challenges, and opportunities, with emphasis on innovative, scalable, and interdisciplinary approaches. To gather further insights in the intersection of circular economy and supply chain transformation, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

•Digital technologies and Industry 4.0 for circular supply chains

•Innovative design and utilization of materials in closed-loop systems

•Novel business models and value chain reinvention for circularity

•Strategies for resilience against climate, resource, and geopolitical shocks

•Stakeholder engagement, inclusivity, and policy frameworks for scaling circular practices

•Metrics, assessment tools, and measurement of circular performance

•Case studies of successful regenerative or circular supply chain transformations

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Circular Economy in Production and Supply Chain: A Sustainability-Centric Approach