Measuring the state of advancement of circular economy good practices in agri-food sector

This study explores the adoption of sustainability and Circular Economy (CE) practices within the agri-food sector, focusing on their potential to mitigate crisis effects and enhance resource efficiency. The research leverages the Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) framework, adapted to assess the advancement stages of CE good practices (GPs), particularly those registered in the Italian Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ICESP). Analyzing 44 agri-food GPs across various regions and sectors in Italy, the study identifies significant disparities in TRL stages, with regions like Emilia Romagna and Piemonte exhibiting a higher concentration of advanced practices. The results reveal that agricultural GPs generally exhibit a lower stage of advancement, while Food and Beverage (FandB) practices are more prevalent in later stages, particularly during market introduction and expansion. These findings underscore the need for tailored strategies to support CE adoption, address sector-specific barriers, and promote the scalability of innovative practices. The study concludes that a structured TRL framework is essential for advancing sustainability in the agri-food sector, offering insights that can guide future research and policy interventions aimed at fostering a more widespread and effective transition to a circular economy.