An Analysis of the Círcular Economy in Europe through Comparative Research Employing the CRITIC-Based MAUT and COPRAS Methods

Abstract

Purpose: The circular economy is an approach to sustainability that takes into account both the economic and environmental benefits of repurposing waste or underutilized inert assets into new, useable products or services. The research aims to present a comparative analysis of EU countries with multi-criteria decision-making methods using various indicators covering many topics, including emphasis on recycling, use of circular materials, material efficiency and collective management of waste. Methodology: The research aims to determine the weights through the application of the CRITIC method. It is gathered in 22 sub-indicators under three main categories, including sustainable resource management, social behaviour, and business operations, so as to assess effectiveness with regard to this notion while comparing nations. Additionally, every nation in the EU that has indicator data is assessed employing cluster analysis, a method of data mining, in addition to multi-criteria decision-making techniques like MAUT and COPRAS. Findings: Based on the assessments of nations, Denmark, Luxembourg, Finland, Austria, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Germany exhibit a favourable and noteworthy distinction from other nations. Originality: This study offers the opportunity to make comparisons with a multi-criteria decision-making approach when it comes to environmental and circular economy goals.