Measuring the circular economy in the agri-food sector: an umbrella review

One of the challenges to be faced in the transition from a linear to a circular economy is the development of tools to assist this transformation process. Furthermore, it is necessary to define indicators to assess the degree of circularity and measure the actual environmental benefits of the new economic paradigm. This paper, which is inspired by the 'umbrella reviews', aims to summarise and discuss the results obtained so far in the agri-food sector by analysing the literature reviews in this field. The aim is to highlight the need to strengthen methodological research to find standardised solutions towards the definition of common rules for the evaluation of circularity and to help future research. In general, a unique and specific system of indicators and tools for the agri-food sector, as well as the development of data for life-cycle-based tools and new impact categories are needed.