Systematic Literature Review on Circular Economyfor Sustainable ‎Growth and Resilience in The Manufacturing Sector in Sri Lanka

  • Authors

    • Mr. J. A. Rathnakumara Faculty of Gradate Studies, University of Kelaniya. Sri Lanka
    • Prof. Henrik. V Scheel Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, Trinidad & Tobago
    • Prof. D. M. R. Dissanayake University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
    • Dr. Sandeep Mathur NPD School Pvt Ltd, India
    https://doi.org/10.14419/52d7es84

    Received date: October 4, 2025

    Accepted date: December 30, 2025

    Published date: March 20, 2026

  • Circular Economy; Manufacturing Sector; SMEs; Developing Economies; Resilience; CE ‎indicators; Industry 4.0; Sri Lanka

  • Abstract

    This paper presents a systematic literature review (SLR) on Circular Economy (CE) strategies ‎in the manufacturing sector, with a specific focus on their contribution to sustainable growth ‎and resilience. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 259 peer-reviewed publications from ‎seven major databases were screened, resulting in 46 studies that met the inclusion criteria. ‎Bibliometric mapping and thematic synthesis reveal that although CE research is expanding ‎rapidly, only 11% of studies address small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing ‎economies. Key strategies consistently highlighted include closed-loop supply chains, eco-‎design, industrial symbiosis, and product-as-a-service, which demonstrate measurable ‎environmental and economic benefits. However, implementation remains constrained by non-‎harmonized CE indicators, institutional gaps, and limited digital integration, particularly in ‎Global South contexts such as Sri Lanka. To address these gaps, this paper introduces three ‎strategic contributions: (i) a Circular Economy Maturity Matrix (CEMM) to assess SME ‎progress, (ii) a Policy-Technology Alignment Map linking regulatory instruments with CE ‎practices, and (iii) a set of lightweight CE indicators tailored for SMEs in resource-constrained ‎settings. These tools provide a context-sensitive foundation for bridging CE adoption with ‎systems thinking, resilience engineering, and Industry 4.0 integration. By synthesizing ‎fragmented insights and proposing actionable frameworks, the paper establishes a strategic ‎reference for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars seeking to advance CE-driven resilience ‎in manufacturing, with relevance for developing economies‎.

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  • How to Cite

    Rathnakumara , M. J. A. ., V Scheel, P. H. ., Dissanayake , P. D. M. R. ., & Mathur , D. S. . (2026). Systematic Literature Review on Circular Economyfor Sustainable ‎Growth and Resilience in The Manufacturing Sector in Sri Lanka. International Journal of Accounting and Economics Studies, 13(2), 540-556. https://doi.org/10.14419/52d7es84