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.

In LCA studies, various approaches and methods have been proposed for evaluating environmental burdens and credits associated with the input and output of secondary resources across the product system boundary. Therefore, the evaluating the burdens related to secondary resources is still challenging because there is no common method. In fact, different materials have different recyclability, and different product designs have different recoverability for the materials contained in end-of-life products. Different methods may conclude different selections for a less footprint material and for a less-footprint product design through its life cycle. Therefore, this article introduces the concept of adding or avoiding environmental burdens induced by the consumption and recovery of secondary resources during the product life cycle in accordance with a consequential approach and outlines the calculation formulas based on this concept. And then, this article compares the formulas with the formulas compiled as circular footprint formula （CFF） in product environmental footprint category rules guidance published by the European Commission. It was found that some avoided impacts at the disposal stage are not properly assessed in CFF. It is because CFF accumulates elements of burdens practically. The difference between the theoretical formula and the formula based on practical accumulation is also theoretically described.

This paper presents a system understanding of the circular economy from the service research perspective by considering circularity related to consumption-side activities, production-side activities, and data utilization. Traditional approaches to consumer behavior include understanding behavioral change embedded in the causal loop as part of systems thinking, analyzing backfire effects caused by changes in use and ownership, and simulating the acceptability of circular businesses. Regarding the circularity in consumption-side activities focused on by this paper, we introduce two concepts, "excite the loop" and "loyalty loop," to decipher what lies behind consumer behaviors. Both of these concepts contribute to enhancing the customer experience and loyalty and to realizing a new quality loop as value creation. Symmetry with behavioral change in consumption-side, the circularity in production-side activities implies the need for research incorporating innovations of business models and products based on the circular economy, not the linear economy. This paper also explained recent movements in Japan for circularity relevant to data utilization and the EU's development of technical and legal systems by linking digital policy with circular economy policy. These three circularities and their interrelationships will contribute to analyzing to future changes in consumption behaviors in the circular economy.

This report describes specific examples of digital technologies contributing to CE, including a traceability system leading to information sharing throughout the lifecycle of products, the use of AI and IoT to improve the efficiency of venous logistics, the application of AI image diagnostic technology, and next-generation mobility initiatives linked to smart cities. By technology readiness, the applications of image diagnostic technology include image diagnostics of reused automobile parts, waste sorting robots, and LiB-derived fire detection systems. In addition, next-generation mobility in smart cities is being considered, with sharing in the foreground. Promoting such initiatives in collaboration with manufacturers and waste treatment or recycling companies is essential. It is hoped that digitalization will lead to more advanced LCA.

Solving the growing problem of marine plastic waste on a global scale require contributions of all stakeholders who benefit from plastic products and containers and packaging. In particular, industries that have developed various markets and businesses in modern society by providing or utilizing these products are expected to play a central role in solving these issues. CLOMA, a corporate alliance of many companies in the field of materials, processing, food and toiletry manufacturing, retail, recycling, etc., brings together diverse technologies and wisdom to propose sustainable social systems and lifestyle for the future together with the national and local government and consumers, and to disseminate these ideas to the world.