Circularity Assessment and Criticality

Abstract

This paper outlines the current discussion on circularity assessment, a method for evaluating the progress of the Circular Economy （CE）. Assuming CE will reduce the exhaustible resources use, it will also reduce the use of critical metals, which are often discussed in recent years. Then, the relationship between circularity and criticality was also examined. As a result, it was found that the progress of CE therefore the improvement of circularity does not necessarily lead to criticality mitigation. It is not appropriate to include criticality evaluation as a part of circularity evaluation. On the other hand, it became clear that there are cases where changes in criticality metal utilization are used in circularity assessment. More importantly, circularity is at least useful for understanding changes in criticality.