A multi-level tool to support the circular economy decision-making process in agrifood entrepreneurship

Abstract Purpose–Thepresentstudyisaimedatdevelopingamulti-levelframework for assessing circularity in agrifood industries by providingthe user witha step-by-step approachandselectinga customizedset of indicators capable of accurately assessing the circular economy (CE) level. Design/methodology/approach– The framework is composed of four stages. In the first stage, a CE theoretical model based on operations, product and services, culture, organization and ecosystem criteria has been implemented and adaptedto the agri-food sector. In the second stage, users are required to collect a set of indicators capable of measuring each criterion. In the third stage, a weight is assigned to each indicator using analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Lastly, a geometric multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model, called axial distance-based aggregated measurement (ADAM) model, is used to normalize, assess and aggregate the results andproducefinalscoresforthedifferentalternativesto berankedbasedontheirfinalcircularityscores. Findings– The model can be a useful tool to support corporate decisions in the CE, making entrepreneurs aware of their starting level. It indicates the extent to which companies are implementing circular business models across different dimensions and, thus, where they are still lacking. Originality/value– Beyond the attempts to measure the circularity of corporate performance from a purely environmental perspective, the study adopts a holistic view, considering the complexity and disruption of all the principles of the CE.