Abstract
Circular Economy (CE) has become a widely discussed and promising concept for improving resource efficiency across industries. By minimizing raw material exploitation, it therefore serves as a key driver towards sustainability. However, the level of CE implementation varies across regions and industries depending on various factors such as regulatory frameworks, economic structures, or sector-specific challenges. In this context, the extent to which CE is implemented in South Tyrol remains insufficiently explored. Therefore, this explorative study provides an overview of CE implementation in the region and identifies best practice examples. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a structured survey with semi-structured interviews conducted with 17 companies across the woodworking, automotive, and construction sectors. The findings reveal significant variations in the adoption and prioritization of the different 9R strategies. Key barriers include technological and financial constraints, while collaboration and innovation emerge as key enablers. These findings serve as a foundation for regional companies and policymakers to better understand and address the practical realities of transitioning toward a more sustainable industrial landscape.