Strategic barriers to circular waste transitions in emerging economies: A fuzzy DEMATEL approach for sustainable industrial development

Abstract

The transition to circular waste systems is critical for achieving sustainable industrial development in emerging economies, where inefficient resource use and environmental degradation remain pressing challenges. This study investigates the strategic barriers impeding circular economy (CE) adoption in the manufacturing sector, using Bangladesh as an illustrative context. Employing a hybrid Delphi–Fuzzy DEMATEL approach, twelve interrelated barriers were identified and structurally analyzed. Results highlight that inadequate waste sorting infrastructure, limited financial capacity, and insufficient commitment to sustainable innovation are the most influential causal barriers, creating systemic constraints to CE transitions. The hierarchical influence map generated offers actionable guidance for policymakers and industry stakeholders to prioritize capacity-building, investment, and innovation strategies. Theoretically, the study contributes to the CE literature by elucidating the interdependencies and causal dynamics among key structural barriers. Practically, it provides a decision-support framework for emerging economies to design targeted interventions that unlock high-impact leverage points for circular transformation. By bridging strategic analysis with sustainability planning, this research advances the global CE discourse and provides scalable insights to support SDG-aligned industrial transformation in low- and middle-income countries.