Details zur Publikation |
| Kategorie | Textpublikation |
| Referenztyp | Berichte |
| DOI | 10.5281/zenodo.22893972 |
Lizenz  |
|
| Titel (primär) | Controversies over the Material Circularity Indicator (MCI): how should the Utility Function (F(X)) be defined? |
| Autor | Cilleruelo Palomero, J.; Eelen, L.; Perdomo Echenique, E.A.
; Lizundia, E.; Van Acker, K.; Zeug, W. |
| Quelle | Zenodo |
| Erscheinungsjahr | 2026 |
| Department | SANA |
| Seite bis | 19 |
| Sprache | englisch |
| Topic | T5 Future Landscapes |
| Abstract | This work originated from a Circularity Challenge session at openLCA.conf 2026 in Berlin, which raised the question of how reusable and single-use packaging compare using the Material Circularity Indicator (MCI). This led to a group of people coming together and forming a Circularity working group and the publication of this white paper. A literature review examined how the utility factor, F(X) is applied within the MCI. Most studies use the whole-product approach and apply, neutralize, or modify the utility factor to reflect specific product characteristics. The comprehensive approach is less frequently reported, making comparisons more difficult. Overall, the literature shows considerable flexibility in defining and applying the utility factor, with no clear methodological consensus. A case study assessed how varying the industrial average number of uses affected the MCI of a reusable plastic pizza box. Using 1, typical of single use, instead of 100, typical of reusable use, increased F(X) by a factor of 100, resulting in an MCI close to 1.0 (fully circular) and overshadowing the benefits of the 64% recycled content in the single-use cardboard box. A “utility neutralisation” approach was therefore applied, while recognising that the most appropriate approach depends on the specific study. The study highlights the limitations of using the MCI as a single-score indicator. ISO 59000, particularly ISO 59020, provides a broader framework of circularity indicators focused on material flows. Ultimately, packaging options should be assessed using multiple indicators aside from circularity indicators, as higher circularity does not necessarily mean lower environmental impacts. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is therefore recommended to be considered alongside circularity indicators to support robust decision-making. |
| Cilleruelo Palomero, J., Eelen, L., Perdomo Echenique, E.A., Lizundia, E., Van Acker, K., Zeug, W. (2026): Controversies over the Material Circularity Indicator (MCI): how should the Utility Function (F(X)) be defined? Zenodo 19 pp. 10.5281/zenodo.22893972 |
|