Exploring the circularity potential regarding the multiple use of residual material

Building on recent insights in exploring material circularity, this study attempts to develop a methodological approach toward allocating an available circularity potential based on modeling the optimal chain of products in a manner that ensures utilizing the same material as many times as possible. The allocation of available circularity potential implies limitations on the use of specific primary materials for manufacturers of certain products by establishing access to the appropriate quality material used previously only for the modeled chain, thereby providing the greatest possible number of turns for a particular material in the economic system. This study adds to the current understanding of methods to maximize material looping in a circular economy by keeping the application range of specific materials as wide as possible, thereby preserving its long-term value. The findings contribute to the operationalization of a recycling strategy justified by its limitations on the use of primary materials for manufacturers of certain products to avoid wastage. Furthermore, the findings present a novel future research agenda for managing circularity potential with regard to continuous build-up and optimal allocation to save the value of material in the system as long as possible by increasing the number of its revolutions.