Degree of implementation of the micro-level circular economy in large-scale multinational metalworking industries located in Brazil

The pressure for sustainability has driven Circular Economy (CE) as a key strategy to transform industry. Although there are studies relating CE to the metalworking industry, there is a lack of studies assessing the degree of micro-level CE implementation in Large-Scale Multinational Metalworking Industries (LMMI) located in Brazil. In this context, this study investigates the degree of micro-level CE implementation in LMMI located in Brazil. The research method adopted was a survey. This study contributes to theory by being the first to evaluate the degree of adoption of micro-level CE practices in the metalworking sector, related to the six constructs of the ReSOLVE model: substitute (74.03%) and optimize (61.22%) showed moderate performance due to legislation and actions with economic return (reduction of metallic and water waste in production, reuse, repair, and recycling of waste), while share (32.51%), regenerate (43.82%), return (44.90%), and virtualize (44.93%) presented low rates, evidencing cultural, technological, and economic barriers. The overall degree of adoption was moderate (50.24%). The study highlights as practical contributions the expansion of renewable sources, recovery and reduction of waste, interindustrial collaboration, and the replacement of non-renewable inputs with sustainable alternatives, as well as the use of machines with no GHG emissions, guiding managers in decision-making. The social contributions include improvements in environmental and public health conditions, promotion of job creation, professional training, occupational health and safety, in addition to reducing environmental impacts.