Analysis of synergies between circular economy and integrated management systems: A bridge to unite sustainable solutions and business efficiency

Abstract

Circular Economy (CE) is a fundamental instrument for public institutions, organizations, the population, among others, to take safe steps towards sustainability. Integrated Management Systems (IMS) is defined as a set of interconnected processes that share information regarding human, financial, material and infrastructure resources, among others, in order to successfully achieve organizational goals that satisfy their stakeholders. The objective of this article is to cross analyze the main topics between the CE and IMS and develop a discussion that allows exploring the synergies between both. The methods chosen were bibliographic review and content analysis. Most of the analyses between the clusters of the CE and IMS present a significant synergy. The contribution applied was the availability of strategies that can be incorporated into the management of organizations with socio-environmental and profitability goals or that seek to improve their relationships with their stakeholders.