Ranking Circularity Levels in Industrial Parks: A Holistic Approach Incorporating Environmental, Economic and Social Indicators

Abstract

This study introduces a circularity ranking system at the meso-level, specifically targeting industrial parks, through the development of the Circular Economy Sustainability Index (CESI). The index comprises five economic-environmental indicators: energy intensity, emission intensity, water intensity, waste intensity, and recycling ratio, as well as a social indicator as a sixth dimension. We utilize CESI to evaluate the circular economy performance of 22 manufacturing firms in the Adana Hacı Sabancı Organized Industrial Zone (AOSB). AOSB, one of the most prominent industrial parks in Türkiye, serves as an excellent case study to assess companies’ circularity performance and identify areas for improvement in the country’s green industrial transformation endeavor. Our findings reveal that waste and recycling indicators are pivotal in determining circularity, contributing 34.6% to the overall score, while the social indicator adds another 16.3%. These results underscore the significance of effective waste management and social responsibility in enhancing circularity. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.