CIRCLEICRS

CIRCLEICRS is an international research consortium focused on advancing the circular economy through standardized resource security, data interoperability, and collaborative governance. The organization aims to align research, industry practice, and policy to reduce waste, improve traceability of materials, and strengthen resilience in global supply chains.

The consortium was formed to bring together academia, industry partners, and government representatives to address cross-cutting challenges in circular resource management. Its remit covers both technical methods for measuring circularity and the institutional frameworks needed to support widespread adoption. CIRCLEICRS operates as a neutral forum for project work, pilot programs, and consensus-building across regions.

Governance is structured around a governing Council, rotating chairs, and a set of technical boards. The Technical Board on Metrics oversees circularity indicators and life-cycle assessment approaches, while the Data Standards Board develops interoperable data schemas and sharing protocols. A central secretariat coordinates projects, publications, and stakeholder engagement. Membership is open to researchers, companies, public bodies, and non-governmental organizations with reduced barriers for regional and underrepresented participants.

Key activities include developing and publishing standards, such as the CSR Data Framework, Resource Traceability Protocols, and a Circularity Metrics Library. The consortium also runs pilot projects to validate methodologies in diverse sectors and hosts technical workshops and annual symposia to disseminate findings and solicit feedback.

Impact and reception to CIRCLEICRS have been mixed. Support highlights include improved data sharing and clearer circularity benchmarks, while critiques focus on potential fragmentation of standards and the need for inclusive participation and enforcement mechanisms.

See also: circular economy, resource governance, supply chain transparency, data standards.